(COLORADO) — A Colorado Springs family is suing the owners of a local Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Taco Bell after a father died when he was taken hostage on site. The lawsuit claims the chain restaurant ignored the history of activity and violence that led to the murder.
On June 2, 2023, 31-year-old Qualin Campbell went to the KFC located at 1501 S Nevada Avenue to buy food during his lunch break. While parked, a homeless man known as David Emmanuel Guidry, and also referred to as David Emmanuel Karels, approached the car and unlawfully entered the vehicle while Campbell was inside.
Campbell exited the drive-thru and parked in front of the Taco Bell located at 1507 S Nevada Street. A few minutes later, he sent a text to his wife with his location and asked her to contact 911 for assistance, as Karels had entered his car. Campbell also called 911.
At some point, Karels was able to get hold of Campbell’s gun and discharge four shots. Karels shot Campbell and then himself, all on the premises of Taco Bell.
“In spite of the four loud gunshots, no employees, personnel, or security guard from Taco Bell came to Mr. Campbell’s assistance,” the lawsuit states. “Moreover, no officers from Colorado Springs or response teams arrived to help Mr. Campbell until after Myron “Shaun” Bradford, Mr. Campbell’s uncle, called 911…”
Read the lawsuit here:
According to court papers, both Taco Bell and KFC, owned by KBP Brands, had a long-standing history of criminal activity on their premises and surrounding areas. Even after the incident occurred in June 2023, other incidents, including disturbances and a burglary, have been reported at the location.
The lawsuit claims the restaurant was negligent by failing to have the appropriate security measures to protect individuals on the premises from dangers. Campbell’s wife, Talija Campbell, is asking for damages, attorney fees, and, according to the lawsuit, a jury trial.
FOX21 News has reached out to KBP Brands and Taco Bell for comment and will update this article when it receives one.
