The family of a Texas Southern University freshman shot and killed outside his dorm in October sued the school Wednesday, arguing that security was too lax at the campus in a rough southeast Houston neighborhood.
Brent Randall, a freshman described by TSU President John Rudley described as "a beautiful young man, trying to get his life together," was one of two people shot outside the Courtyard Apartments in October. The shooting was one of four at TSU last fall.
Randall's family's lawsuit cites prior shootings on the campus as evidence that TSU "knew or reasonably should have known of the dangerous condition of the premises."
"As a result of the negligence of [TSU's] and their actions and inactions, Brent Randall endured a violent shooting resulting in significant conscious suffering, as well as painful physical and mental injuries before his death," the lawsuit says. It seeks unspecified damages.
TSU ramped up security in the days following the October shooting, adding curfews, sign-in sheets at dorms, random room checks and additional patrols.
TSU officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
Rudley, who announced last year that he will leave TSU after his contract expires in August, has said the shootings on campus were a big reason why he decided to leave the school. He said that while the school has increased security, it can't afford to do everything it needs.
"I didn't want to wake up anymore and deal with -- 'We have lost another student or two,' " Rudley said, speaking to the Houston Chronicle editorial board about unrelated matters on Tuesday. "I woke up after the last one and said, 'Enough of this.' "
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