Houston –May 11, 2023
On the evening of May 10, 2023, Troy Pradia and Jonathan Cox of The Cox Pradia Law Firm filed a lawsuit stemming from an incident that occurred in February of 2022 inside a local McDonald’s. The altercation allegedly began over a dispute about a spot in line. Our client, Clifton Zeno III, was brazenly
shot and killed while the suspect, who was later identified by HPD, fled the restaurant on foot. Days later, after a police chase, the suspect was also killed. We have been retained to represent Mr. Zeno’s entire family as well as his immediate descendants, which sadly also include 7 young children. Attached,
you will find a copy of the lawsuit that was filed earlier this week.
Mayor Sylvester Turner held a press conference soon after the incident. “He was fatally shot for simply being in line at McDonald’s. This is a big and loving family, and the city has heard their pleas for justice. This investigation continues and we are committed to solving these crimes of people who are senselessly committing crimes in our city and this one made no sense,” said Turner on March 7, 2022.
“We cannot idly standby and allow corporations to shirk their responsibility of keeping their customers safe while inside of the establishment and patronizing the business. This family has lost a father, son, brother and uncle who will never realize his full potential in life. We will fight to ensure corporations like McDonald’s take responsibility when crimes like these occur and that they also create a safe environment for our citizens here in Houston. McDonald’s was obviously negligent in this tragic case, given this was a proven high violent crime area, it was and is their responsibility to maintain a safe
environment for all customers and they failed Mr. Zeno on this fatal day,” said Attorneys Jonathan Cox and Troy Pradia.
Please see the attached media clip and the full briefing of HPD and The Mayors press conference:
HPD Press Conference: https://www.facebook.com/reel/903031544345811?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=0NULKw
The legal team at Cox Pradia Law Firm is available for additional questions and media access.