Thomas MacMillan Photo
Grieving parents Greg and Celeste Fulcher announced Monday evening that they intend to pursue legal action against the strip club where someone killed their daughter.
The Fulchers (pictured), through their attorney, made that announcement at a Monday evening press conference at the corner of Hamilton and St. John streets. They stood in front of the Key Club Cabaret, where Erika “Hoppy” Robinson was gunned down early on the morning of Saturday Oct. 26.
Robinson was one of six people hit by bullets when a gunman opened fire inside the strip club at 3:30 a.m., during a crowded private party. Hers was the only fatal injury.
Police are searching for 28-year-old Adrian “Corn Bread” Bennett in connection with the shooting. Police believe he opened fire at members of a rival gang, killing an innocent woman.
Robinson, known as “Hoppy” because of her cheerful nature, was a budding fashion designer.
Shortly before 6 p.m. Monday evening, the Fulchers stood with over a dozen family members and supporters and faced a bank of TV cameras set up outside the Key Club. Police Lt. Holly Wasilewski, Sgt. Tammi Means, and state Rep. Gary Holder Winfield were in attendance.
Shafiq Abdussabur (at right in photo), a city cop who is Gary Fulcher’s cousin, has been acting as the family’s spokesperson. He read a statement on behalf of the Fulchers. “This violence must end,” Abdussabur read, after a long list of thank-yous. He called on people to “unite to end these acts of gun violence.”
“It is the family’s intention to hold all parties responsible,” announced attorney Michael Dolan (pictured), the Fulchers’ lawyer. He said the Fulchers seek to stop “these people who prey on our city’s youth for financial gain.”
He said the family will pursue “all legal remedies” against the key club. Earlier in the day, Dolan said the family is considering a lawsuit based on inadequate security and possibly negligent supervision of the premises.
On Oct. 31, Dolan sent letters to three men listed as the owners and agent of Fuun House Productions, LLC, the company that owns the Key Club.
“Our investigation has revealed that Key Club Cabaret did not provide adequate protection and security for Ms. Robinson and other patrons,” the letters state. “I strongly urge you to turn this claim over to your insurance carrier at once for handling.”
Fuun House principals Flavio Forchetti and Corey John Bertini could not be reached for comment. Nor could Fuun House agent John Kraft.
After Dolan’s statement outside the Key Club Monday evening, Rev. Boise Kimber led a short prayer.
Gary and Celeste Fulcher held each other close during Monday’s press conference, and wept at its conclusion. They did not take questions. Click here to read an interview with them about the fateful night and its aftermath.
I do not blame the victim. I do not blame the club. I do not blame the gun makers. I blame the shooter.