Kristene Chapa, survivor of the 2012 shootings at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, filed Thursday a lawsuit against shooter David Strickland to the tune of $500 million.
The lawsuit also names Strickland's father, Larry Joe Strickland, and Taft Pharmacy.
It was June 23, 2012, when Strickland kidnapped Chapa and Mollie Olgin at Violet Andrews Park, bound them and sexually assault them. Following the assault, Strickland shot both of them in the head, killing Olgin and altering Chapa's life forever. Strickland was found guilty of the crime in 2016.
According to the lawsuit, though she surivived the shooting, Chapa still walks with a limp, has tunnel vision and has undergone extensive rehabilitation and medical treatment.
In the lawsuit, Chapa is seeking damages for:
- Physical pain and suffering in the past and future.
- Mental anguish in the past and future.
- Physical impairment in the past and future.
- Medical expenses in the past and future.
- Loss of consortium and companionship in the past and future.
- Loss of earning capacity in the past and future.
- Loss of household services in the past and future.
- Costs of suit.
- Prejudgment and post-judgment interest.
- All other relief to which Plaintiff may be justly entitled.
The damages total $500 million, and Chapa has demanded a jury trial, according to the lawsuit.
The below text comes directly from the lawsuit:
PLAINTIFF'S ORIGINAL PETITIONNOW COMES Plaintiff Kristene Chapa, complaining of Defendants David M. Strickland, Larry Joe Strickland and Taft Pharmacy, and for cause of action would respectfully show this Honorable Court the following:
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On or about June 23, 2012, David M. Strickland kidnapped Plaintiff Mary Kristene Chapa and her companion Mollie Olgin at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Strickland, who knew neither young woman, bound the women, blindfolded them with duct tape, and then sexually assaulted them. After these heinous acts, Strickland shot both Chapa and Olgin in the head with a .45 caliber pistol and left them for dead. The bullet from Strickland's gun pierced Chapa's brain. Chapa miraculously survived, and was found the next morning by a couple in the park. Olgin was not as fortunate; she died from the gunshot wound.
David Strickland was ultimately charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. Throughout the criminal process, Strickland showed absolutely no remorse for his actions. Indeed, he sneered at Chapa and her family throughout the criminal trial, and cavalierly maintained he was not guilty despite the overwhelming evidence against him. A San Patricio County jury found Strickland guilty of murder in 2016. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Although she survived, Chapa's life is forever altered. She has tunnel vision; she walks with a limp; and she has undergone extensive physical rehabilitation and medical treatment. She will need treatment and substantial assistance with daily tasks for the balance of her life.
In the commission of his crimes, David Strickland used a .45 caliber Glock pistol acquired due to the efforts of his father, Larry Joe Strickland. Larry Joe Strickland was well aware of his son's violent tendencies, but did nothing to warn others or take action to stop his son's proclivities. Instead, Larry Joe Strickland and the business he owns, Taft Pharmacy, facilitated, encouraged, aided and abetted, either intentionally or negligently, David Strickland's reprehensible actions.
Chapa brings this suit to recover damages for her medical costs, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and future medical costs. She seeks punitive damages to punish the Defendants. This case seeks in excess of $500 million dollars.