$66.5 Million Verdict Awarded After Nightclub Negligence*

In an Order after a difficult trial filled with heartbreak and hope, the family of Mariam “Mari” Creighton finally heard the words they had long waited for: justice served.

A Fulton County judge awarded a $66.5 million verdict to Mari’s parents, Tracey Eason and Juan Umberto Creighton. The verdict holds the Elleven45 Lounge in Atlanta, GA, and its operators accountable for the devastating events that led to the loss of their 21-year-old daughter—a vibrant student-athlete whose life was full of promise.

Represented by attorneys Parker Miller and Key Lamberth of Beasley Allen, The Law Office of Mike T. Sterling & Associates, and Darren Summerville of The Summerville Firm, the family fought not just for compensation, but for change. Their case made it clear: this wasn’t just a tragic accident—it was a preventable failure.

A Fight for Accountability

Mari Creighton was more than just a college student. She was a loving daughter, a teammate, a friend, an excellent student, and a rising star at Albany State University. Known for her radiant smile and fierce determination on the volleyball court, Mari was the kind of person who lit up every room she entered.

But on May 12, 2024, that light was extinguished in a senseless act of violence. While enjoying a night out with friends at Elleven45 Lounge in Buckhead, Mari became an innocent victim in a shooting that left six people injured. She never made it home. She never knew this place had a long history of violence.

The lawsuit, brought by Mari’s grieving parents, revealed a chilling pattern of negligence by the nightclub and its operators—Djibril Dafe, Sovereign Entertainment, Inc., Elleven 45 Inc., and Elleven 45 Lounge, LLC. Despite a history of violent incidents and repeated warnings, the Elleven45 Lounge was allowed to operate, and the rest is history. On that tragic night, a chaotic scene across the Lounge from Mari erupted when an individual who, after being allowed to enter the location with a gun, opened fire on the crowd.  Mari was struck by stray bullets, and died from catastrophic injuries as a result.

A Verdict That Speaks Volumes

On October 27, 2025, Judge Fred Eady of the Fulton County State Court heard heartbreaking testimony from witnesses After carefully reviewing the evidence, Judge Eady awarded the following in damages for Mari’s shooting and untimely death:

• $5.625 million for Mari’s pain and suffering before her death
• $60.95 million for the wrongful death claim
• Total: $66.575 million in damages, to be paid by all defendants

This verdict sends a powerful message that patron safety is not optional—it’s a responsibility. Now, the litigation will move forward into a new phase, as the verdict only resolved claims against some – but not all – of the defendants at the center of this tragedy.

Champions for Justice

We are no strangers to fighting for victims in catastrophic premises cases. Parker Miller has led numerous high-profile cases where preventable violence and dangerous property conditions caused irreparable harm. His dedication, along with Key Lamberth’s, goes beyond the courtroom—they advocate for systemic change, safer communities, and the rights of families like in this case, who deserve answers and accountability.

*This result was obtained in a non-Alabama case. Beasley Allen does not represent that the same or similar result would be obtained in other cases.