Hale was shot and killed on April 4, approximately six weeks before his high school graduation, while waiting to go to school.
Dayton police responded to the first block of South Jefferson Street and found Hale shot in the chest outside the In & Out Carry-Out, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.
Julius Maurice Williamson Jr. is accused of killing Hale and is facing two counts each of murder, felonious assault and having weapons under disability and one count of tampering with evidence, according to court records.
Wright & Schulte said police reported Hale didn’t have any previous connection or interaction with Williamson.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
“The tragic incident referred to in this lawsuit did not happen on RTA property or on an RTA vehicle,” said RTA CEO Robert Ruzinsky. “While we all grieve the loss of a young adult life and sympathize to the utmost with his family’s loss, the tragic event took place after Mr. Hale had left RTA’s property and RTA respectfully intends to defend our position during any legal proceedings.”
The lawsuit states RTA was aware of violence and safety issues at Wright Stop Plaza and failed to provide adequate security.
“As a direct and proximate result of RTA’s negligence, multiple persons, including Hale were placed in danger of being shot by Williamson,” the complaint read.
It also claims RTA assumed a duty to protect Hale and Dayton Public Schools students because of its $1.4 million contract to provide transportation to students. RTA also reportedly was charging DPS approximately $40,000 for security.
“RTA’s failure to provide the security it purported to have added was a substantial factor in exposing Alfred Hale III to the risk that ultimately resulted in his death,” the lawsuit read.
The estate is asking for jury trial and seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Earlier this year Hale’s family called on officials to work together to find a safe way for students to get to school.
“I want people to change, man, because this violence is not it, man,” said Alfred Hale II, Hale’s father. “We losing kids left and right every day. Some type of change has got to happen.”
His mother, Nellie Bailey, and Hale Sr. said their son loved basketball and baseball and planned to join the U.S. Marines and be truck mechanic.
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