Families of Walmart mass shooting victims received millions in wrongful death settlements
Apr 04, 2025
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — In the weeks before last November's second anniversary of the mass shooting at the Battlefield Boulevard Walmart, judges in Norfolk approved a series of wrongful death settlements that saw the company commit to paying out millions to three victims' families, according to cou
rt documents obtained this week by 10 On Your Side.
Previously: Impact of Chesapeake Walmart mass shooting still felt two years later
The last one was finalized just three days before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge signed off on an order dismissing the final remaining negligence suit against the company in that jurisdiction — all were dismissed before going to trial.
Six people were killed in the Nov. 22, 2022 shooting and several others were injured.
Chesapeake Walmart Mass Shooting
"[Walmart], while denying any liability for this alleged incident or injuries, have nevertheless expressed a willingness to compromise any causes of action which may have accrued to respondent, pursuant to [state law]," a filing in one of the cases reads.
The family of Tyneka Johnson received $1.725 million, of which $700,000 was paid to their attorneys, according to court documents. The family of Lorenzo Gamble Sr. received $80,000 alongside a sizeable worker's compensation payment. The family of Fernando Chavez-Barron received $2.675 million, of which $841,000 went to attorney fees.
"Appalled and horrified by [the shooter's] actions and the resulting tragedies, Walmart stands firmly committed to its deceased and injured employees and grieves with their families," attorneys for the retail giant write in a filing in the Gamble case.
The settlements release the company from all liabilities and future lawsuits. They also include a confidentiality clause prohibiting the beneficiaries from discussing the terms.
"All amounts paid under this settlement are in the settlement of the underlying claims of the parties and not as compensation for the confidentiality agreement," the final order in the Johnson case reads.
The Chesapeake negligence cases, in contrast, put the blame for the shooting on Walmart. Those suits argued that the shooter had a history of disturbing statements and actions that should have blocked his continued employment. ...read more read less