A Fulton County judge has awarded $66.5 million to the parents of Mariam “Mari” Creighton, who was killed in a shooting at Elleven45 Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. The verdict follows a lawsuit brought by Mari’s parents, Tracey Eason and Juan Umberto Creighton, against the nightclub and its operators.
The case centered on events from May 12, 2024, when Mari Creighton, a student-athlete at Albany State University, was shot and killed while out with friends at Elleven45 Lounge in Buckhead. Six people were injured during the incident. According to court documents, an individual was allowed into the club with a gun and later opened fire.
The lawsuit revealed that Elleven45 Lounge and its operators—Djibril Dafe, Sovereign Entertainment, Inc., Elleven 45 Inc., and Elleven 45 Lounge, LLC—had a documented history of violent incidents and warnings prior to the shooting.
On October 27, 2025, Judge Fred Eady heard testimony from witnesses before awarding damages for pain and suffering as well as for wrongful death. The total damages amount to $66.575 million.
Parker Miller and Key Lamberth of Beasley Allen represented the family alongside attorneys from The Law Office of Mike T. Sterling & Associates and The Summerville Firm. "We are no strangers to fighting for victims in catastrophic premises cases," said Parker Miller. "His dedication, along with Key Lamberth’s, goes beyond the courtroom—they advocate for systemic change, safer communities, and the rights of families like in this case, who deserve answers and accountability."
The verdict only resolves claims against some defendants; litigation continues regarding others involved in the case.
"This verdict sends a powerful message that patron safety is not optional—it’s a responsibility," said representatives for the family.
Beasley Allen emphasized that results may vary: "This result was obtained in a non-Alabama case. Beasley Allen does not represent that the same or similar result would be obtained in other cases."