Suit: University was 'dangerous and unsafe' when student was killed

The parents of a metro Atlanta student are suing after their son was killed on Savannah State University’s campus last summer.

Sharron and Willie Starks announced the wrongful death lawsuit in a press conference Thursday morning at Atlanta’s Cochran Firm. They’re suing the Board of Regents of The University System of Georgia, acting as Savannah State University.

Christopher Starks, 22, was a junior and football player at the university when he was shot in the student union on August 27, 2015. He was taken to the local hospital where he later died.

Photos from the scene

Attorney Shean Williams with the Cochran Firm said the Starks asked them to find out how their son died. In said the firm’s investigation revealed two facts.

• The university was a “dangerous and unsafe place” the night Starks was shot.
• The university did not have police or security in or outside of the Student Union, knowing the rate of violence reported on campus.

Williams said, “Savannah State University’s own records show that they had full and actual knowledge of several and numerous violent crimes occurring on the campus from 2008 until the time of the shooting. Specifically, there were multiple murders, aggravates assaults, burglaries, robberies, forcible sexual offenses and gun-related crimes”

Williams also said it is believed the person who shot Starks was not a student but was able to move freely around campus without being detected by security. He called the shooting “preventable” because more security could have been in place.

Savannah State University released this statement to 11Alive, "The University will not make comment on matters of litigation."

Starks was a star wide receiver for Miller Grove High School’s football team where his younger brother Jamal still plays. Shortly after his death coach Damien Wimes told 11Alive News Stark’s biggest aspiration.

"They would always ask him what was his biggest aspiration, and he would say his biggest aspiration was not to let his father down,” he said through tears.

There is still not arrest in the case and police have not named any suspects.

Speaking in February, Sharron Starks pleaded with anyone with information to come forward.

“If you know something, if you videotaped, if you have pictures I'm asking you from the depths of my soul, to please get in contact with the GBI and say something,” she said.

“It’s very hurtful for me to have this person still walking around.”