Family Of Slain Chef Files Lawsuit Against Nightclub
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- The family of a chef who was shot and killed in the VIP section of the South Beach nightclub Mansion filed a lawsuit in connection to his death.
According to our news partners the Miami Herald, the twin brother of Antaun Teasley, 42, filed the wrongful death suit on Friday alleging there is an expectation that security at nightclubs would ensure no one had a firearm. The suit also alleged Mansion has "an extensive history" of violent crime in and around the business.
The suit goes on to name companies that operate the club including Star Island Entertainment and Opium International, according to the paper.
Mansion has not commented on the suit.
Teasley worked for numerous athletes including Miami Heat players Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers.
"He was an excellent person," said Teasley. "He was a celebrity chef. He brought his A game every time. He brought energy and love. He was just an excellent chef and an excellent person. He made soul food because he put his soul in to that food."
Teasley was shot during a fight between two groups in Club Mansion around 3:41 a.m. on Tuesday.
Hundreds of club goers rushed out of the Club after hearing at least one shot.
Teasley said his brother's murder was a "cowardly act."
"It would mean a lot to bring the person to justice. It was a cowardly act but I forgive him," said Teasley.
Bringing the gunman to justice may be a challenge.
Miami Beach Police said the crime scene was "contaminated" by the maintenance team that likely was unaware of the violence that had taken place there just a short time earlier.
A department spokesman says it's possible key evidence, like fingerprints or blood spatter, was mopped up or tossed out before cops had a chance to process it.
Miami Beach Police Sgt. Bobby Hernandez said police do not have a description of the gunman after interviewing at least six witnesses and police have no surveillance tape to release.
Detectives are still trying to find out how the shooter got a gun into the club where guns are banned.
As of Thursday, police had no leads and urge anyone with information to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
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