The family of a Wilson High School honors student who was fatally shot after a homecoming football game has filed claims against the Long Beach Unified School District and the city of Long Beach alleging that the agencies failed to take adequate security measures to protect students’ lives and safety.
Melody Ross, 16, was allegedly struck by a stray bullet when two groups of rival gangs members confronted each other near the school at Ximeno Avenue and 10th Street on Oct. 30, 2009. Two other men were wounded in the shooting, which occurred about 10 p.m.
Two 16-year-olds were arrested and charged as adults with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The claims against the city and school district were filed in January, said attorney Ron Makarem. No damage amounts were included. Such claims are usually filed as a prelude to a lawsuit, said Makarem.
Makarem said the death could have been avoided and alleged that there was no law enforcement monitoring the large crowds exiting the gates and that the area was dimly lighted.
"They should have known that there might be the potential for problems and something could have been done and should have been done for protection," he said.
City of Long Beach officials could not be reached for comment. Long Beach Unified spokesman Chris Eftychiou said the Board of Education received the claim Jan. 14 and at a subsequent meeting voted to reject it.
— Carla Rivera