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In October 2021, Samuel “Sammy” Tumaini Nagi Njuguna’s life was forever changed by a single gunshot outside a CK Mart gas station in Columbia, South Carolina. Although the bullet missed his heart by just an inch, the emotional and psychological trauma it caused would eventually claim his life. Nagi, a rising actor who had just premiered a film on Amazon Prime, was a vibrant individual whose spirit dimmed after the shooting. Nearly two years later, he tragically passed away, and now, his family is seeking justice by holding the gas station owners accountable for the unsafe environment that contributed to the shooting.

A Life Altered by Violence

Nagi Njuguna’s life held promise. As an actor and a beloved member of his community, he was known for his joyful personality and infectious smile. However, everything changed on October 6, 2021, when he was shot outside the CK Mart gas station on Broad River Road. The bullet may have spared his heart, but it left behind deep emotional scars. His father, Dr. Samuel Nagi, described the drastic shift in his son’s demeanor after the shooting.

“Before he got shot, he was bubbly, he had a permanent smile,” Dr. Nagi said. “But after he got shot… everything changed. And I saw someone who was full of life spiraling into a depression he just couldn’t get out of.”

The trauma from that day marked the beginning of Nagi’s battle with addiction and depression, struggles he ultimately lost in August 2023 when he passed away near an oak tree just a short distance from where the shooting occurred. For his family, the pain of losing Nagi is compounded by the belief that his death was preventable—not only the shooting itself but the consequences that followed.

A Lawsuit Against CK Mart: A Fight for Accountability

In the wake of Nagi’s death, his family is fighting to hold the CK Mart gas station accountable for what they describe as a dangerous and violent environment. Represented by attorney Tyler Bailey, the Njuguna family has filed a lawsuit against the gas station owners, citing their alleged negligence in maintaining safety standards. According to Bailey, the area around the gas station has long been a hotspot for crime, and the business owners were fully aware of the risks.

“The problem is that the business owners know that all of this is going on,” Bailey said. “They know about the robberies, they know about the murder, they know about the rape, and they know all these things.”

The lawsuit argues that the gas station should have taken greater measures to protect its patrons from criminal activity. The family’s goal is not just to receive compensation but to prevent future tragedies by forcing CK Mart to either improve safety or shut down entirely. No specific dollar amount has been attached to the lawsuit, as the family is more concerned with the principle of justice and ensuring no other family has to endure a similar fate.

For Dr. Nagi, the lawsuit represents a way to give a voice to his son. “This boy here, somebody has to speak for him, and he can’t speak for himself. Justice has to be done, and the wrong that has been done has to be corrected so it doesn’t happen to anyone else,” he said during an emotional statement to the press.

The Importance of Business Accountability

The legal action taken by Nagi’s family sheds light on a larger issue: the responsibility of businesses to provide a safe environment for their customers. Gas stations, particularly those open late at night, can become magnets for criminal activity if they do not have adequate security measures in place. In high-crime areas, businesses have a duty to implement safety protocols, such as installing surveillance cameras, improving lighting, and hiring security personnel to protect their customers.

Unfortunately, CK Mart stands accused of failing in this regard. The family’s lawsuit highlights a troubling pattern of violence at the gas station, which the owners allegedly ignored. By filing this lawsuit, the Njuguna family hopes to send a message that businesses cannot turn a blind eye to the safety of their patrons.

Seeking Closure and Change

While the man responsible for the shooting, Maliquee Hazelwood, has already been sentenced to probation, the Njuguna family’s battle for justice is far from over. Their lawsuit against CK Mart represents an attempt to find closure, not only for Nagi but for themselves and the community that continues to suffer from the ripple effects of violent crime. For Dr. Nagi, this case is deeply personal. Each visit to the gas station where his son was shot brings back painful memories, and he has expressed his belief that the business is a “cesspool” that needs to be shut down.

The family’s fight is not about revenge but about ensuring no other family has to experience the same heartbreak. “I was okay for a while until I got here holding this poster… just brings back all the memories,” Dr. Nagi said. “This place needs to be shut down.”

Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Safer Communities

Nagi Njuguna’s death is a tragic reminder of how violence can irreversibly alter lives. His story is one of a young man full of promise whose potential was cut short, not just by a bullet but by the emotional trauma that followed. His family’s pursuit of justice reflects their desire to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The lawsuit against CK Mart is more than just a legal battle—it’s a fight for safer communities, greater accountability, and the memory of a son whose life was stolen too soon. As Nagi’s family continues their journey toward justice, they hope their efforts will not only bring closure to their pain but also spark change for others facing similar struggles.