Former Florida state senator Daphne Campbell was granted $100 million by a Miami-Dade County jury yesterday in a wrongful death lawsuit involving the death of her son, Jason Campbell, in 2021.
According to Local 10 News, Jason was fatally shot while sleeping after an intruder, identified as Lakoria Washington, unlawfully entered the Monte Carlo Condominium complex in Biscayne Gardens.
The case exposed flaws in the condominium’s security procedures, prompting Daphne Campbell to sue the Monte Carlo Condominium Association, property management business Akam & Associates LLC, and security service EMS Protective Group.
On Tuesday, the jury determined that Akam & Associates had the majority of liability (57%), while Monte Carlo Condominium Association and EMS Protective Group were each judged to be 18% at fault.
Additionally, a complex renter was determined to be 7% culpable for the incident.
This decision looks to establish a precedent, encouraging property managers and owners to provide properly secure settings for their tenants.
“When a senseless tragedy strikes your life, you feel helpless, alone, and completely shattered,” Daphne and her husband, Hubert Campbell, wrote in a statement acquired by Caribbean National Weekly. The Campbells hoped that the verdict would send a strong message to property managers and owners, encouraging them to put necessary security measures in place to prevent future tragedies.
They also thanked their community and legal team for their support, and they asked for ongoing prayers for their family, particularly Jason’s three children, who have been left without their father.
Originally hailing from Cap-Hatien, Haiti, Daphne Campbell served in various legislative capacities in Florida until her defeat in 2018. She attempted to return to the Senate in 2020 but was unsuccessful.
