Highland Park, Illinois – Following a tragic shooting at the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, the family of Eduardo Uvaldo, a victim of the mass shooting, has filed a lawsuit against gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson. The lawsuit, filed by the law firm Koskoff, Koskoff & Becker, alleges that Smith & Wesson irresponsibly marketed an AR-15-style weapon to teenagers, despite its association with previous mass shootings.
The lawsuit specifically names the M&P 15, the weapon used in the shooting, as being manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It argues that the company’s decision to continue selling and promoting the weapon, especially to teenagers, constituted negligent entrustment and violated consumer protection laws in Illinois.
Eduardo Uvaldo, an immigrant from Mexico who had been in the United States since the age of 15, was described as a kind and hardworking man who adored his family. Married for 52 years with four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, Uvaldo had recently retired before his life was tragically cut short in the shooting.
In a joint statement, the Uvaldo family expressed their grief over the loss of Eduardo and criticized both the shooter and Smith & Wesson for their roles in the tragedy. They emphasized the need to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain caused by gun violence.
In addition to the Uvaldo family, a group of survivors and families of children present at the parade have joined the lawsuit. The complaint also implicates Budsgunshop.com and Red Dot Arms for selling the weapon to someone not legally allowed to possess it, as well as the accused shooter, Robert Crimo III, and his father, Robert Crimo Jr., who had a prior conviction related to firearms.
Crimo III, facing multiple charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder, is scheduled for trial in February. Despite initially considering a plea deal, Crimo ultimately rejected it, opting to go to trial instead.
The law firm representing the Uvaldo family, Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, has a track record of advocating for victims of gun violence. They previously secured a significant settlement for families affected by the Sandy Hook massacre and represent families impacted by other mass shootings.
In a statement, Josh Koskoff of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder condemned Smith & Wesson’s shift towards promoting weapons like the M&P 15, attributing it to a culture of profit over public safety. He highlighted the devastating impact of the company’s actions on families like the Uvaldos, underscoring the need for accountability in the firearms industry.