Walmart is facing a wrongful death lawsuit in the aftermath of a tragic incident that resulted in the murder of Thierry Bastien, a man who was fatally shot while attempting to intervene in an assault on a Walmart employee. The suit, filed by Makia Ford, Bastien’s girlfriend and mother of their four-month-old baby, alleges that the Walmart Supercenter in Lauderdale Lakes failed to provide sufficient security measures to protect both employees and customers.
The incident, which unfolded in May, took a devastating toll on Bastien’s family, leaving his young child without the chance to know his father. The lawsuit contends that Walmart’s failure to implement adequate security measures created an environment where such a violent incident could occur.
The tragic event occurred when Bastien intervened to help a Walmart employee who was being assaulted by another employee, identified as 22-year-old Tironie Sterling. Sterling is currently facing charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the incident.
Makia Ford, in the lawsuit, asserts that Walmart’s negligence in ensuring the safety of its patrons and employees directly contributed to the loss of Thierry Bastien’s life. The family’s attorney argues that a lack of proper security measures, including surveillance and personnel, allowed a situation to escalate to a point where lethal force was used.
The wrongful death suit seeks compensation for the emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial hardships experienced by Makia Ford and her child due to Bastien’s untimely death. Additionally, the legal action aims to draw attention to the importance of maintaining a safe environment within retail establishments to prevent such tragedies.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it may prompt a broader discussion about the responsibility of businesses to implement effective security measures to protect customers and employees, potentially influencing industry standards and practices in the future.
