Court dates are pending in the case of a former Emporia State University football player who has now sued two companies and a teammate after an accidental shooting incident in Emporia two years ago.
Marquise Johnson was shot in August 2018. Johnson was one of several people inside a vehicle when the gun went off, hitting Johnson in the left leg. Doctors later had to amputate the leg below the knee.
Earlier this month, Johnson sued gun manufacturer Beretta Corporation, company owner Fabbrica D’Armi Pietro Beretta and Bass Pro Shops. The lawsuit was filed by Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman; Brady United Against Gun Violence; and Helbert & Allemang, essentially saying the gun in question was designed and sold without numerous safety features and warnings that could have prevented the incident.
Also included in the suit is Andre Lewis, who was driving the car in question. The lawsuit says Lewis showed the gun, a Beretta APX 9mm handgun, to Johnson and two other teammates. Lewis also removed the magazine, leading all in the car to believe the gun was unloaded and safe when it still had at least one round inside. Lewis was holding the gun when it discharged that round into Johnson’s leg.
The lawsuit is requesting more than $75,000 in compensatory damages as well as court costs.
