Latest news with #Romanucci&Blandin
India Today
02-05-2025
- India Today
Indian-American man at centre of sexual assault lawsuit against American Airlines
An Indian-American man with a record of in-flight sexual misconduct is at the center of a federal lawsuit filed against American Airlines — and the woman bringing the case says the airline knowingly let it happen. Barbara Morgan says what was supposed to be a routine overnight flight from San Francisco to Dallas in April 2024 turned into a nightmare when she was seated next to Cherian Abraham, a Texas resident with multiple prior complaints against him for inappropriately touching fellow touched me multiple times in the darkened cabin. I shouted at him to stop,' Morgan recounted in the federal complaint filed this week. 'But the crew did nothing.'Morgan, represented by the Chicago law firm Romanucci & Blandin, is suing the airline for negligence. The lawsuit alleges that the airline knowingly allowed a passenger, Abraham, who had a documented history of similar troubling behavior, to board the flight without notifying Morgan or other passengers. According to the suit, this prior record should have prevented Abraham from flying in the first place. After the flight, Morgan says she approached a gate agent to report the assault. Instead of help, she got what she describes as a dismissive reaction.'They asked why I hadn't spoken up mid-flight and told me to file an online complaint,' she says she followed up multiple times, even emailing top American Airlines executives. Her reward? A form-letter response — and, when a real person did reply, she says the airline blamed her for not doing more during the March 2025, Abraham was arrested and charged with abusive sexual contact after allegedly groping another woman on a separate American Airlines flight — this time from Los Angeles to case cited Morgan's ordeal, as well as another alleged assault on a Minneapolis-bound flight in October 2023. Federal investigators now say Abraham shows 'a pattern of predatory behaviour.'American Airlines only banned Abraham after his March 2025 arrest. 'The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority,' the airline said in a statement. 'We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.'Abraham has pleaded not guilty. According to court filings, he told investigators any physical contact on the plane was 'accidental.'Still, Morgan says her experience points to a broader failure. 'The airline could've prevented this. Instead, they let a known predator sit next to me in the dark.'Must Watch
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Woman sues American Airlines after alleged sexual assault on overnight flight
The Brief Barbara Morgan filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was sexually assaulted during an April 2024 flight from San Francisco to Dallas. The suit alleges American Airlines ignored prior reports about the same passenger and failed to protect her. Attorneys say Morgan's complaint was dismissed by the airline, contributing to further assaults by the same man. CHICAGO - A California woman is suing American Airlines, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a fellow passenger on an overnight flight — and that the airline knowingly allowed the passenger, a previously reported offender, to fly again. What we know Barbara Morgan, represented by the Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, filed a lawsuit earlier this month in federal court claiming she was sexually assaulted on an American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dallas on April 24, 2024. According to the complaint, Morgan was seated in a middle seat next to Cherian Abraham, a Texas man with a history of reported in-flight assaults. During the flight, Morgan says Abraham touched her inappropriately multiple times in the darkened cabin. She yelled at him to stop, but says the flight crew did not intervene. When she reported the incident after landing, Morgan says a gate agent asked why she hadn't spoken up during the flight and told her to file a complaint online. Despite multiple follow-ups — including emails to top American Airlines executives — Morgan says she received only a generic response and that when she was finally contacted by someone from American, they blamed her for not reporting the conduct while in-flight. In March 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office charged Abraham with sexually assaulting another passenger on an American Airlines flight. That complaint cited earlier incidents, including Morgan's. What's next Morgan's attorneys are seeking a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Northern California. The lawsuit brings several claims against both American Airlines and Abraham, including negligence, fraudulent concealment, and gender violence. The legal team says this case is about more than one incident — it's about accountability and how airlines respond to reports of in-flight sexual assault. "American Airlines has been aware for years that sexual assaults on overnight flights are becoming more and more prevalent," said Sarah M. Raisch, a senior attorney with Romanucci & Blandin. "Yet they allowed Cherian Abraham to become a serial predator under their watch and on their airplanes, and when our brave client reported her terrifying experience, they brushed her off and blamed her for their utter indifference to her safety. When will corporations finally believe women? What needs to happen for corporations to finally take women's safety seriously?" Morgan says her decision to speak out is rooted in a desire to protect other passengers. "It is hard to describe how traumatizing it is to have a stranger touch you like that – on a crowded plane, in a confined space, with nowhere to go. I felt exposed and yet completely invisible. I felt paralyzed. When the flight landed and I reported what happened, I hoped American Airlines would step in and, at the very least, tell me they would do better to protect other women. Instead, I was met with cold responses and blame, as if I had done something wrong. That sense of shame has stayed with me. I'm sharing my story because I don't want other women to feel as alone or dismissed as I did. I'm sharing my story because it is time that corporations do better so my daughter, our daughters don't have to be assaulted." The other side We've reached out to American Airlines for comment and have not yet heard back. The Source The information in this article was provided by Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, LLC.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Survivors of 2022 July Fourth parade mass shooting to speak in court before gunman's sentencing
Survivors and relatives of people killed in a 2022 mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago were set to speak Wednesday at the sentencing hearing for the gunman, who chose not to attend. Robert E. Crimo III, 24, pleaded guilty last month to the shooting that left seven people dead and dozens more injured. He changed his plea moments before opening statements at his trial after years of unpredictable legal proceedings. Crimo chose not to attend Wednesday's sentencing hearing in the packed courtroom. Testimony from survivors was expected to be emotional and boxes of tissues were spread throughout the courtroom, including on the witness stand and near the public seating. Crimo is certain to spend the rest of his life in prison. Each count of first-degree murder carries a maximum natural life sentence in Illinois. Prosecutors and attorneys for survivors said before the hearing that addressing Crimo is an important step. 'They have been patiently waiting for justice to be served,' said a statement from Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm that represents nearly 50 victims. They 'will tell their personal stories to the court, and they are steadfastly committed to pursuing justice.' Security was tight Wednesday with observers required to lock up their phones and pass through two sets of metal detectors. Attorneys were unsure how many people might give so-called victim impact statements, saying some may decide at the last minute. Prosecutors began the sentencing hearing by laying out evidence against Crimo. The hearing is at the Lake County Courthouse, roughly 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Chicago. Prosecutors played video clips showing a band marching as multiple shots rang out and the crowd, including young children, started fleeing the parade route in a panic. Band members carrying instruments ran down the street as emergency sirens blared. The case has moved slowly through the court, in part because of Crimo's erratic behavior. He was expected to accept a plea deal last year but changed his mind once he got to court, shocking even his own attorneys. Crimo fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself. Then he reversed his decision. He's refused to leave his cell to attend court proceedings at times, including during parts of jury selection. After he pleaded guilty in court, he signed documents waiving his right to trial with both his own name and the name 'Donald Trump.' Ashbey Beasley attended the parade with her son in 2022. Though they weren't injured, she said they had to run for their lives and seeing Crimo adds to their trauma. 'Every single time I see him, it's stressful,' she told reporters after the guilty plea. 'It's upsetting for everyone in our community.' Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s to an 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Authorities said Crimo perched on a roof and fired into the crowds. Witnesses described confusion as the shots began, followed by terror as families bolted from the downtown parade route, leaving lawn chairs and strollers behind. Prosecutors had reams of evidence, including Crimo's videotaped confession to police. 'We were 1,000% ready to go to trial and prove him guilty to the jury. We have been working for years to prepare our evidence,' Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters after the guilty plea. Prosecutors initially charged Crimo with 21 counts of first-degree murder — three counts for each person killed — and 48 counts of attempted murder for the injured. Prosecutors later dropped 48 less serious counts of aggravated battery before jury selection. Residents in the upscale Highland Park community of roughly 30,000 have mourned the shooting deeply. Some potential jurors were excused because of their connections to the case. Several survivors have also filed lawsuits against Crimo and gunmaker Smith & Wesson. City leaders canceled the usual parade in 2023, opting instead for a 'community walk.' The parade was reinstated last year on a different route and included a memorial. The seven people killed in the shooting were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, was charged in connection with how his son obtained a gun license. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. He served less than two months in jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNN
23-04-2025
- CNN
Survivors of 2022 July Fourth parade mass shooting to address gunman before his sentencing
Survivors and relatives of people killed in a 2022 mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago are set to address the gunman Wednesday at his sentencing hearing. Robert E. Crimo III, 24, pleaded guilty last month to the shooting that left seven people dead and dozens more injured. His plea change, just moments before opening statements at his trial, came as a shock even after years of unpredictable legal proceedings. Crimo is certain to spend the rest of his life in prison. Each count of first-degree murder carries a maximum natural life sentence in Illinois. Prosecutors and attorneys for survivors say addressing Crimo is an important step. 'They have been patiently waiting for justice to be served,' said a statement from Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm that represents nearly 50 victims. They 'will tell their personal stories to the court, and they are steadfastly committed to pursuing justice.' Attorneys were unsure how many people might give so-called 'victim impact statements,' saying some may decide at the last minute. Prosecutors are also expected to lay out evidence during the sentencing hearing at the Lake County Courthouse, roughly 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Chicago. The case has moved slowly through the court, in part because of Crimo's erratic behavior. He was expected to accept a plea deal last year but changed his mind once he got to court, shocking even his own attorneys. Crimo fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself. Then he reversed his decision. He's refused to leave his cell to attend court proceedings at times, including during parts of jury selection. After he pleaded guilty in court, he signed documents waiving his right to trial with both his own name and the name 'Donald Trump.' Ashbey Beasley attended the parade with her son in 2022. Though they weren't injured, she said they had to run for their lives and seeing Crimo adds to their trauma. 'Every single time I see him, it's stressful,' she told reporters after the guilty plea. 'It's upsetting for everyone in our community.' Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s down to an 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Authorities said Crimo perched on a roof and fired into the crowds. Witnesses described confusion as the shots began, followed by terror as families bolted from the downtown parade route, leaving lawn chairs and strollers behind. Prosecutors had reams of evidence, including Crimo's videotaped confession to police. 'We were 1,000% ready to go to trial and prove him guilty to the jury. We have been working for years to prepare our evidence,' Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters after the guilty plea. Prosecutors initially charged Crimo with 21 counts of first-degree murder — three counts for each person killed — and 48 counts of attempted murder for the injured. Prosecutors later dropped 48 less serious counts of aggravated battery before jury selection. Residents in the upscale Highland Park community of roughly 30,000 have mourned the shooting deeply. Some potential jurors were excused because of their connections to the high-profile case. Several survivors have also filed lawsuits against Crimo and gunmaker Smith & Wesson. City leaders canceled the usual parade in 2023, opting instead for a 'community walk.' The parade was reinstated last year on a different route and included a memorial. The seven people killed in the shooting were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, was charged in connection with how his son obtained a gun license. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. He served less than two months in jail.
CNN
23-04-2025
- CNN
Survivors of 2022 July Fourth parade mass shooting to address gunman before his sentencing
Survivors and relatives of people killed in a 2022 mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago are set to address the gunman Wednesday at his sentencing hearing. Robert E. Crimo III, 24, pleaded guilty last month to the shooting that left seven people dead and dozens more injured. His plea change, just moments before opening statements at his trial, came as a shock even after years of unpredictable legal proceedings. Crimo is certain to spend the rest of his life in prison. Each count of first-degree murder carries a maximum natural life sentence in Illinois. Prosecutors and attorneys for survivors say addressing Crimo is an important step. 'They have been patiently waiting for justice to be served,' said a statement from Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm that represents nearly 50 victims. They 'will tell their personal stories to the court, and they are steadfastly committed to pursuing justice.' Attorneys were unsure how many people might give so-called 'victim impact statements,' saying some may decide at the last minute. Prosecutors are also expected to lay out evidence during the sentencing hearing at the Lake County Courthouse, roughly 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Chicago. The case has moved slowly through the court, in part because of Crimo's erratic behavior. He was expected to accept a plea deal last year but changed his mind once he got to court, shocking even his own attorneys. Crimo fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself. Then he reversed his decision. He's refused to leave his cell to attend court proceedings at times, including during parts of jury selection. After he pleaded guilty in court, he signed documents waiving his right to trial with both his own name and the name 'Donald Trump.' Ashbey Beasley attended the parade with her son in 2022. Though they weren't injured, she said they had to run for their lives and seeing Crimo adds to their trauma. 'Every single time I see him, it's stressful,' she told reporters after the guilty plea. 'It's upsetting for everyone in our community.' Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s down to an 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Authorities said Crimo perched on a roof and fired into the crowds. Witnesses described confusion as the shots began, followed by terror as families bolted from the downtown parade route, leaving lawn chairs and strollers behind. Prosecutors had reams of evidence, including Crimo's videotaped confession to police. 'We were 1,000% ready to go to trial and prove him guilty to the jury. We have been working for years to prepare our evidence,' Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters after the guilty plea. Prosecutors initially charged Crimo with 21 counts of first-degree murder — three counts for each person killed — and 48 counts of attempted murder for the injured. Prosecutors later dropped 48 less serious counts of aggravated battery before jury selection. Residents in the upscale Highland Park community of roughly 30,000 have mourned the shooting deeply. Some potential jurors were excused because of their connections to the high-profile case. Several survivors have also filed lawsuits against Crimo and gunmaker Smith & Wesson. City leaders canceled the usual parade in 2023, opting instead for a 'community walk.' The parade was reinstated last year on a different route and included a memorial. The seven people killed in the shooting were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, was charged in connection with how his son obtained a gun license. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. He served less than two months in jail.
