PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County lawsuit says an innocent bystander was shot and killed at a hookah lounge known to feature nude models.
A lawsuit was filed July 10 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County by Steven Stuart, the administrator of Stephanie Stuart's estate.
The defendants named in the case are Bucci Ventura Mullen, LLC and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The complaint alleges that the defendants negligently allowed their property at 3534 Laketon Road, Pittsburgh, to operate as an unlicensed bar and strip club known as Baller’s Hookah Lounge.
This establishment was allegedly a public nuisance and had a history of gun violence incidents.
On June 2, 2024, Stephanie Stuart was fatally shot at Baller’s Hookah Lounge during an altercation between an armed security guard and another individual.
The lawsuit claims that the defendants failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of patrons despite being aware of prior shootings and other dangers associated with the venue. The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for negligence, wrongful death, and survival action.
Anthony Giannetti of Swartz Culleton represents the plaintiff.