Family of Nashville college student killed by stray bullet in park accuse city, school officials of negligence

The parents of an 18-year-old freshman at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennesseee, who was killed when a stray bullet struck her in the head in 2023 are suing multiple people and entities after their daughter was left dying on a sidewalk for about an hour.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed in Davidson County says Jillian Ludwig, 18, “was killed in a shooting that was made possible by the multiple combined acts of negligence and recklessness committed by the Defendants here in Davidson County, Tennessee.”

The defendants include the city of Nashville, the state of Tennessee, the Nashville Metro Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), Belmont University, state or city employees who examined shooting suspect Shaquille Latrelle Taylor’s mental health, a gun supplier that sold a firearm to Taylor and others.

Ludwig “was considered by many music professionals to be a budding star” at the time of her death, the lawsuit states. She played six instruments, was a member of three bands and performed at well-known venues in Nashville. 

“Said Defendants further knew while Taylor was in their custody and control that he had a specific history of violence and gun violence. Further, said Defendants knew or should have known in the exercise of sound professional judgment that Taylor would likely harm others if released,” the lawsuit says of Matthai, Loftin and Wood.

The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging did not respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital.

Jillian Ludwig singing

Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones addressed Jillian Ludwig’s death in an email to students and staff. (Instagram)

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said his “heart still aches for Jillian Ludwig, her family, and the entire Belmont community” in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Last year, we collectively grieved such senseless gun violence. I remain inspired by the incredible strength of the Belmont community as they collectively grieved Jillian’s passing, and I hope that the Ludwig family feels our support,” O’Connell said. “We continue to look for effective solutions to reduce gun violence in our community.”

The Ludwigs’ attorneys were not commenting on the case at the time of publication out of respect for the family.

Matthew Ludwig previously told Fox News Digital in 2023 that until laws change, “this could happen to anyone.” And in April 2023, the Ludwig family was successful in doing just that with the passage of Jillian’s law, which requires dependents who are deemed incompetent to stand trial to be housed in the appropriate mental health facility.

The law also requires dependents who are determined to be incompetent to stand trial to be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System so that they cannot purchase firearms. 

You May Also Like
Budget-Busting Climate Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act Must Go

Remove Expensive Climate Measures from the Bill to Lower Inflation

By  President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats capitalized on the public’s concern…
Employees Locked Out and Executives Sent to Indian Reservations As the Purge at HHS Hits Its Stride

Staff Unable to Access Premises and Senior Managers Relocated to Native American Lands During Ongoing Clean-up at Health Department

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began the first phase…
Bonnie Blue reveals next eye-watering sex stunt... but it may be physically impossible to achieve

Bonnie Blue shares her latest jaw-dropping sexual feat… but it might be too challenging to actually do

Controversial OnlyFans sensation Bonnie Blue is getting ready to take on her…
Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, suspect in fatal Madera Walgreens shooting of Erick Velasquez, had 'grudge' against pharmacies: police

Police: Suspect in deadly Madera Walgreens shooting had a personal vendetta against pharmacies

MADERA, Calif. — A man walked into a Walgreens in California and…
Boston DA considering criminal charges against ICE agent who arrested illegal immigrant during trial

Boston District Attorney Contemplating Criminal Charges Against ICE Agent for Arresting Undocumented Immigrant During Trial

A district attorney from Massachusetts is contemplating bringing criminal charges against an…
NANCY GRACE was so disturbed by bride-to-be's 'suicide' that she launched an investigation. Her findings were more chilling than she ever imagined

Nancy Grace investigates bride-to-be’s ‘suicide’ and uncovers shocking truths

I remember the first photo I saw of Ellen Greenberg with her…
Val Kilmer’s life in photos before his death at 65

A look back at Val Kilmer’s life through pictures before passing away at 65

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood film star who starred in “Top Gun” and…
South Carolina deaths of former Bloomberg executive, wife and daughter leave neighbors perplexed

Former Bloomberg Executive, Wife, and Daughter’s Deaths in South Carolina Leave Neighbors Confused

The neighbors of a South Carolina family found dead in their home…
Hospital's flippant response after TEN of its maternity nurses working in same ward develop brain tumors

Hospital makes light of situation after ten maternity nurses in the same ward get brain tumors.

A Massachusetts maternity ward has seen a spike in nurses diagnosed with…
Israeli military operation in Gaza expanding to seize 'large areas': 'Expanding to crush and clean the area'

– Israeli Military Operation in Gaza: Expansion to Secure Large Areas

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced an expansion of the military offensive…
Dirt bikes, ATVs driven around World War II memorial in Washington, DC: video

“Watch as Dirt Bikes and ATVs Ride around the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC”

People on dirt bikes and ATVs were seen driving inside the World…
Dolton, Illinois election results today: Democrat Jason House projected to replace Tiffany Henyard as Dolton mayor

Today’s election results in Dolton, Illinois: It is expected that Democratic candidate Jason House will take over as the new mayor of Dolton, succeeding Tiffany Henyard.

DOLTON (WLS) — Democrat Jason House is expected to win the Dolton…