Family Of 8-Year-Old Killed In Galleria Shooting Files Lawsuit

HOOVER, AL — The family of 8-year-old Royta Giles, who was killed in a July 3 shooting at the Riverchase Galleria mall has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the mall. The family's attorney issued a statement Wednesday saying the family is suing the mall, the general manager and mall security.

"They had a duty to provide adequate security for shoppers and guests at the Riverchase Galleria," attorney Courtney French said. "The family of hopes that no one else has to experience the pain they are suffering right now."

Royta was shot during an altercation July 3 at the Galleria that led to an exchange of gunfire on the first floor of the mall. Lieutenant Keith Czeskleba of the Hoover Police Department said an investigation found that a verbal argument occurred on the first level of the mall, near the food court, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Three men have been arrested and charged with capital murder in the case. Montez Moses Miracle Coleman, King Gary Williams and Demetrius Dewayne Jackson Jr. are being held in Jefferson County Jail.