Blog Topic

Family of Man Killed in ATM Attack Files Lawsuit
April 01, 2008

You shouldn't have to worry about getting shot in the head when you step up to an ATM. Forget the argument about all ATMs being dangerous - they shouldn't have to be. Period. We don't live in a war zone where we can expect to have our heads blown off for stepping out of our security zone. When we walk into a pubic building or space, we need to know that the management of the building in question will take all measures to protect us.

Bank of America it seems failed on this vital protection, and as a result, is being sued by the family of a man who was killed during an ATM robbery at one of its branches. The victim, 47-year-old Mylus Mondy, was killed when he walked into an ATM at the 6600 block of La Cienega Westway west of Inglewood in Los Angeles, California. When Mylus walked up to the ATM, there was already a crime in progress. A robbery was taking place, and the suspect, 23-year-old Mackenzie Bryant, immediately turned his gun on Mylus. Mylus tried to turn around and run, but was shot. He died the next day.

Through available video surveillance, police managed to apprehend Bryant and his suspected accomplice, 22-year-old Enjoli McClendon.

Now, Mylus' family has brought a lawsuit against Bank of America for failing to provide security at nighttime at the ATM where the crime took place. The lawsuit, which was filed on Friday, claims that the bank was aware of robberies that had taken place earlier at the same ATM. For instance, there have been three hold-ups at that exact same ATM since August.

The bank has been well aware of these crimes, but had not seen fit to inform customers who might use the ATM of these incidents. Not only that, security at the ATM appears to have been surprisingly lax. There was security in the daytime, but no nighttime security was provided. And this was an ATM that criminals were drawn to in droves, apparently - a fact that the bank was well aware of. Full-fledged security at an ATM that had seen at least three hold-ups in the past eight months could have saved Mylus Mondy's life.

In this case, Bank of America seems to have a false sense of security because the neighborhood the ATM was located in was an affluent one, home to upper-middle class families. Even so, being lax about security at an ATM that had a history of criminal incidents is unacceptable.

The lawsuit also names the two suspects, Mackenzie Bryant and Enjolie McClendon. Both of them have been arrested and charged with murder, and are currently being held without bail. There have been enough special charges listed against them, which if the case against them is proved, could lead to them receiving the death penalty.

All it needed was some semblance of security, and Mylus Mondy could have been safe and sound with his family today. This was a preventable tragedy. All he was doing was minding his own business when he stopped by to pick up some cash - he didn't have to pay for it with his life.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed as the result of negligent security, you need the help of an experienced California personal injury lawyer. Contact an attorney at The Reeves Law Group for a free consultation.

Permalink