Paul Cali Comments on Auburn Graduate Shooting Case
Attorneys representing the parents of an Auburn University graduate who was tragically shot in what seems to be an accidental incident at her boyfriend’s home might encounter significant challenges in their wrongful death lawsuit against the gun’s manufacturer and the father involved, according to trial attorney Paul Cali.
Authorities in Alabama have kept details under wraps regarding the shooting incident that resulted in the death of Whitney Robson, a recent Auburn graduate who had just started her career in interior design. The shooting purportedly occurred at the home of her boyfriend’s family.
Jeffrey Towers, a 54-year-old father from Trussville, faces accusations of unintentionally shooting Robson, who was 22 at the time of the incident. She passed away in March, roughly an hour after allegedly being hit in the chest by a bullet fired from an antique .22 revolver.
The charges of manslaughter were brought forth by the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, and they came just days before Robson’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit targeting Towers and multiple unnamed gun manufacturers.
Paul Cali has expressed skepticism about the strength of the family’s case. He noted that lawsuits of this nature often sway major gun manufacturers and lobbyists, indicating that such claims might not show a violation of the Second Amendment. He mentioned that the only way to counter this is showing evidence of defective manufacturing.
Additionally, Cali highlighted that the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from 2005 serves as a significant barrier for lawsuits directed at gun manufacturers, primarily safeguarding them from many legal actions. Nevertheless, he suggested that proving defects in an antique firearm could be quite complex.
The complaint asserts that Towers mishandled the firearm, and claims that it was constructed with design flaws. Robson’s parents argue that the gun not only failed to meet basic safety standards but was, in their view, unsuitable for any ordinary use.
In a statement, Robson’s lawyer emphasized the heartbreaking nature of her untimely death, reminding everyone of the individual behind the case. He mentioned that Robson was cherished by her family and the community, and justice is the goal in this lawsuit, which does not request specific monetary compensation.
Cali also remarked that it’s not typical to see civil suits initiated so early in a criminal case, as civil proceedings could be delayed until the criminal matter is resolved. He pointed out uncertainties regarding the gun manufacturer’s operational status since their name has not been disclosed.
For now, many questions remain unanswered. Towers, who is out on a $30,000 bail, is scheduled to appear in court on July 22, where more information will likely be revealed regarding the case against him.
Robson’s family remembered her as someone who had aspired to succeed in interior design from a young age. After graduating with honors from Auburn University, she secured a job as a trade consultant for RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware.
