Mother of Huguenot Shooting Victim Seeks $26 Million from RPS

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The mother and widow of the two people killed in the Huguenot graduation shooting on June 6, 2023 filed two wrongful death lawsuits against the Richmond School Board and other related officials on Saturday.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith is seeking over $26 million in damages.

Both her son, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson, and her husband, 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith were shot and killed outside of the Altria Theater following Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony.

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras and Huguenot High School leaders were named in the suit.

Jackson was shot and killed by Amari Pollard, who has since been found guilty of murder. As of now, it is not known who shot and killed Smith. Court documents allege that the school district knowingly put Jackson in danger.

“Before Shawn Jackson was murdered, the Defendants knew the dangers that Shawn Jackson faced with his family,” the complaint reads. “But the Defendants did nothing to protect them or other graduation attendees.”

Jackson-Smith is seeking damages totaling $15.35 million for Jackson’s death — $15 million in survival and wrongful death damages, as well as $350,000 in punitive damages. She is also suing for funeral, burial and loss of financial support expenses.