Article Originally Published Here
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A jury in Oregon has awarded over $21 million to the family of Freddy Nelson Jr., who was shot and killed by a private security guard outside a Portland Lowe’s store in 2021. The wrongful death lawsuit follows the conviction of the security guard, Logan Gimbel, who was sentenced to life in prison in May 2023 for multiple charges, including second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
The tragic incident occurred on May 29, 2021, in a parking lot near Lowe’s in Portland’s East Columbia neighborhood. Nelson was collecting his belongings in his truck while his wife, Kari Nelson, was inside the store. According to court documents, Gimbel, hired to patrol the area by TMT Development through Cornerstone Security Group, parked his vehicle behind Nelson’s truck, blocking the couple from leaving.
A confrontation ensued, during which Gimbel allegedly threatened to arrest Nelson. After the couple locked themselves in their truck, Gimbel pepper-sprayed them through the window and fired four shots, killing Nelson. The lawsuit claimed that Gimbel, along with others hired by Cornerstone Security Group, was not properly certified to carry a firearm.
READ: Santa Fe Increases Downtown Security with Private Guards
The Nelson family’s attorney, Tom D’Amore, criticized TMT Development and Cornerstone Security for creating a “culture of violence” that contributed to the fatal shooting. In a statement, D’Amore said, “This decision makes clear that the defendants’ confrontational policies and reckless practices will not be tolerated in our community. While nothing can erase the pain of Freddy’s death, we are proud to have achieved a measure of justice for the Nelson family.”
The $21 million awarded by the jury will be paid to Nelson’s estate by the defendants, including Gimbel, Cornerstone Security Group, and TMT Development.
