Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Granite School District
Jan 11, 2024, 9:14 PM | Updated: May 29, 2024, 11:29 am
SALT LAKE CITY — A wrongful death civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Granite School District on behalf of the families of Paul Tahi and Tivani Lopati, two high-school students who were shot and killed during school hours at Hunter High School in Salt Lake City on January 13, 2022.
The civil lawsuit alleges that the school district neglected to respond to multiple reports of escalating violence. This alleged negligence is claimed to have resulted in the untimely deaths of the two students.
The lawsuit alleges that the school administration and district police failed to investigate reports of growing conflicts among student groups adequately.
It also includes accusations of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, litigation costs, and attorneys’ fees.
“The district was not made aware of this filing and has not had an opportunity to review it.” Granite School District responded, “Regardless, we are unable to comment on pending litigation.”
Related: UPDATE: Victims identified, suspect in custody after deadly shooting near Hunter High School
