The tragic incident that unfolded at Lotus Gentlemen’s Club in Prichard has prompted the mother of Jacquell Graham, Mary Blevins, to take legal action against multiple parties she holds responsible for her son’s death. Blevins believes that the negligence of Prichard city leaders, the club owner, and the club’s realtor contributed to the events that took her son’s life, and she seeks to hold them accountable.
During a press conference, Blevins announced the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit based on claims of negligence. The lawsuit targets Lotus Gentlemen’s Club owner, Eddrick Williams, as well as the owners of Raymond J. Zoghby Real Estate Company, Raymond, and Rosalie Zoghby. Additionally, the City of Prichard is included in the lawsuit for its failure to enforce adequate security measures.
Blevins and her attorney argue that the club has become a “drug-related nuisance” where individuals allegedly bribe bouncers with cocaine to bypass security checks. The attorney also revealed that Jacquell Graham had been shot at the same strip club a week prior to his tragic death. The Prichard spokesperson, in a press release following Graham’s death, stated that he was “one of their known assailants in the area.”
The lawsuit goes beyond the specific incident and highlights a history of criminal activities at Lotus Gentlemen’s Club and other nightclubs in Prichard dating back to 2014. The attorney claims that despite the ongoing violence at the club, the city failed to take appropriate action to shut it down and prevent future crimes and tragedies. The attorney argues that the club owners were aware of the criminal activities taking place and should have foreseen the potential risks.
Blevins seeks monetary compensation through the lawsuit, although the exact amount has not yet been determined. She shared the devastating impact her son’s loss has had on their entire family, emphasizing her desire to prevent other mothers from experiencing the same pain and heartbreak.
One suspect, Harold Lee Miller, has been charged with murder and assault in connection to Jacquell Graham’s death. The police are still seeking two others for questioning. News 5 reached out to both the City of Prichard and the owner of Lotus Gentlemen’s Club for comment, but no response was received at the time of reporting.
