Parents blame bar, others for daughter's death

A Jefferson County mother and father brought a lawsuit against a bar and two individuals, claiming negligence in their daughter’s death.

Beverly Paris, individually and as estate representative, and Daniel Paris filed against Rocklon LLC, of Beaumont; Rockal Inc., doing business as Dreamstreet; Rockline George Kennedy, also known as Rocklon Kennedy or Rocky Kennedy; Winrock Investments Inc., also known as Dream Street II and Dream Street Plantation Bar and Grill, of Beaumont; and Thomas Sherlock, of Beaumont, on March 6 in Jefferson County District Court, for wrongful death in a January accident that killed their daughter, Kristin.

Kennedy is a prominent Beaumont businessman who owns Dream Street, a gentleman's club. He allegedly was driving the vehicle that struck and killed Kristin Paris.

Rockal Inc., the entity owning all alternate company names, operates the bar in which the incident allegedly leading to Kristin’s death occurred. According to court documents, Rockline George Kennedy, is a Texas individual who was over-served alcohol, became intoxicated, and allegedly struck and killed Kristin Paris while subsequently driving his vehicle on Jan. 26.

The complaint cites that Sherlock, the bartender as well as the manager and part-owner at the establishment, continued to serve Kennedy, even though, the suit maintains, he was aware that Kennedy was intoxicated. Kristin Paris was driving on Interstate 10 when Kennedy entered the roadway against traffic, colliding with her vehicle. The victim was conscious and bleeding, according to court documents; however, she passed away in a hospital two days later.

Citing breach of duty and negligence, Beverly and Daniel Paris allege violation of state liquor law, claiming that the bar willfully over-serves its patrons. Apart from wrongful death, they also claim survival action, referring to their own mental anguish, medical expenses, and funeral and burial costs.

The plaintiffs seek: actual, consequential, exemplary and punitive damages; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs.

They are represented by Kurt Arnold, J. Kyle Findley and Kala Flittner of Arnold and Itkin in Houston.

Jefferson County District Court, case no. B-196826