MIAMI (WSVN) - The mother of 17-year-old Dominic Ferrell is taking action against the Brickell high-rise where, police said, her son was fatally stabbed just two weeks ago.
Christine Maron, Ferrell’s mother, spoke to the media Monday morning alongside her attorney. They announced their plan to file a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the Icon Residences, the apartment building where the murder took place, along with their management and security company.
“No mother, or parent, should ever go through this heartbreaking loss,” said Maron. “My first born child, best friend and best big brother. I lost him in the most tragic and senseless way imaginable.”
Attorney Michael Haggard revealed that Ferrell’s killer, 26-year-old Kyril Kehl, was able to gain entry to the building, hang out in the common area while not being a resident and was still not acknowledged by security.
“An assailant goes to the Icon and is in the lobby for several hours. Never approached by anyone, never approached by a security guard by anyone, and is allowed to be there,” said Haggard. “[Someone who] is not a resident, is not a guest, and no one intervenes. Every security standard you can possibly think about was violated in this case.”
Miami Police Cmdr. Andres Valdes confirmed Kehl had been in the building for several hours, and at one point, Miami Fire Rescue was called to the high-rise.
“In the video we have, he’s actually laying, lounging on a sofa, speaking gibberish, chased down some girls. Fire rescue was notified,” said Valdes.
Police said Kehl refused any treatment from paramedics. They added he was in town from Arizona and didn’t know the victim.
Officials said he trespassed and took the elevator to the 34th floor and knocked on several doors before entering the unit where Ferrell was sleeping and was ultimately stabbed to death.
Kehl was later found dead at a nearby construction site after he fell to his death.
Haggard ripped those in charge of keeping the condominium safe, saying every security measure was breached and ignored.
“A killer sitting in plain sight, and no one does anything about it for this amount of time,” he said. “A colossal failure of security.”
He said this security breach was the worst he’s ever seen in all his years practicing law.
Ferrell’s mother is heartbroken and described her son as an old soul who was taken from her in the worst way possible.
“My family is completely shattered and broken as we grieve his loss and try to pick up the pieces,” said Maron. “Dominic was so very special to us in many ways. Dominic was kind, he was thoughtful, smart, athletic. He drew people in and had the ability to connect with anyone.”
Maron also revealed that they will start a scholarship in his name to keep his memory alive. The scholarships will benefit students attending three schools where Ferrell was once a student.
“He was an old soul, but young at heart. Quick to smile and quicker to laugh and always was helping others,” she said.
The lawsuit could take a couple of months to be filed, as now a full investigation must take place to review all security footage and get to the bottom of what happened that night.
7News reached out to the Icon Residences for comment on this lawsuit, but has not heard back.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help fund the scholarship. To donate, click here.
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