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In suit, family claims fatal machete attack at Maui mall was preventable
News Source: HawaiiNewsNow
HONOLULU, Hawaii – The family of Alex Cerezo, who was killed in a machete attack at Queen Kaahumanu Center in Maui, has filed a lawsuit against the mall, its security firm, and Maui County, alleging that his death could have been prevented. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Jeffrey Foster, highlights a history of violent attacks in the same restroom where Cerezo was murdered, including two previous stabbings in 2011 and 2012.
The suit alleges that despite these incidents, the mall failed to install surveillance cameras or have security posts near the restroom, which could have deterred or prevented the violence. It also claims that mall officials were aware of the potential danger posed by the perpetrator, Kumulipo Sylva, who was found guilty of manslaughter in Cerezo’s death.
Foster emphasizes that there were notifications, observations, and signs indicating the potential for violence, which were ignored. The lawsuit aims to raise awareness about safety concerns for customers, tenants, and employees at the mall.
The lawsuit also mentions a recent incident where a woman was allegedly forced into the same restroom at knifepoint by a man who attempted to sexually assault her, further highlighting security issues at the mall.
Queen Kaahumanu Center and Maui County officials, as well as the mall’s security firm, declined to comment on the pending litigation. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and aims to hold the defendants accountable for Cerezo’s death, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
