ATLANTA — An Atlanta attorney representing the family of two victims who were shot at the popular Elleven45 Lounge on Mother's Day announced they plan to file a lawsuit against the club on Friday morning. A source within the City of Atlanta also confirmed that the city would be launching an investigation into the club.
Mari Creighton, a rising senior and volleyball player at Albany State University, was one of two people killed after shots rang out at the lounge in Buckhead. Atlanta police said a single shooter opened fire at the club and shot six people. According to the police department, the shooting was targeting one of the two victims who were killed, though it's unclear which victim was being targeted.
According to a news release from Atlanta Attorney Michael Sterling, Creighton's death was "preventable" and that the club engaged in negligence by "failing to exercise its basic duty to provide a safe environment for its customers when it allowed someone to enter their club with a gun" in a statement.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of Mariam Creighton and the shooting of Taylor Holmes are truly heartbreaking. This senseless tragedy should have never happened," a statement from the attorney read. "This act of negligence stole the life of an exceptional young woman."
The attorney also claimed Creighton's niece, Taylor Holmes, was also hurt in the shooting and was released from the hospital Thursday after recovering from her injuries. Sterling said the two were innocent bystanders.
Shortly after the shooting, Elleven45 released a statement saying it was "profoundly affected by the recent tragic events." It assured the public that the safety of its patrons are its "paramount concern" and promised it would work with law enforcement.
“I’m very angry that they didn’t protect their patrons, protect my daughter. Like I said had they not dropped the ball and made sure that security checked for guns, Mari would be here today and I wouldn’t be doing this interview," Tracey Eson- Mari Creighton’s mother said.
11Alive has contacted the club's owners to ask for a response to planned lawsuit. We are awaiting a response and will update this story once we hear back from them.
The announcement of the lawsuit comes after the family made a recent call for the Buckhead lounge to close and for better security at all clubs in Atlanta.
"Everybody dropped the ball that night," Tiffany Eason, Creighton's oldest sister, said. "Nobody should’ve been in the club with a gun."
Records dating back to 2020 show Atlanta police officers have worked off-duty security detail at the club several times. Officers only responded to three calls for violent crimes. Besides Sunday morning's shooting, APD responded to one other shooting in November of 2023 and a stabbing in 2021.
On Friday, a source with the City of Atlanta confirmed the Solicitor General's office -- whose primary function is to investigate and prosecute misdemeanor charges and code violations -- would be investigating the club.
A spokesperson with the Mayor's office also sent 11Alive this statement:
"First and foremost, the Mayor’s thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic and senseless act of gun violence.
Following the incident and at the Mayor’s direction, we are looking into a number of matters involving the property and working with the appropriate departments and agencies to take any necessary action. There are several tools at the Mayor’s disposal, and he will not hesitate to leverage any of them to keep our communities safe and thriving.
These are ongoing investigations, and the City will provide further updates when possible."
Court documents show this isn't the owner of the club's first run in with the City. Elleven45's owner also operated and managed Encore Hookah Bar and Bistro, according to the documents. The city shut down the club in 2022 after a streak of violent crime, including a shooting where the security guard employed by the club was shot and killed.
“My question is that she was made to turn her mace in, which she should have," Eson said. "How was someone allowed to take a gun into that club?”
Meanwhile, family told 11Alive Creighton's death left a hole in the family's heart. 11Alive recently spoke with Mari's middle sister, Teila Wheeler.
"She has never been in any trouble, straight A student, on track to graduate. She was many things, and she was very special to us and my mom. She was the golden child. She definitely was," Wheeler said.
Creighton is remembered as "a devoted daughter, loving sister, beloved aunt, and admired student-athlete on Albany State University’s volleyball team."
Read the attorney's full statement below:
“The circumstances surrounding the death of Mariam Creighton and the shooting of Taylor Holmes are truly heartbreaking. This senseless tragedy should have never happened and was preventable. Unfortunately, Elleven45 Lounge failed to exercise its basic duty to provide a safe environment for its customers when it allowed someone to enter their club with a gun. This act of negligence stole the life of an exceptional young woman and now leaves another facing a long road of recovery. My firm is committed to fighting on their behalf and in Mariam’s memory, which will never be forgotten.”