Last week two Lubbock families sued three Lubbock businesses for $1 million or more. Michael and Celeste Reyna sued on behalf of themselves and their children. Ricky and Patsy Castro were also listed as plaintiffs.
Their lawsuit claims that on June 17, 2015, Ruby Tequila’s, Blue Mesa, and Chimy’s Cerveceria served alcohol to Michael McKay who was, according to the lawsuit, “obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others.”
The lawsuit claims that McKay and a friend were served alcohol by all three businesses on the night in question.
McKay was charged with intoxication assault after driving a pickup truck into the Reyna family home at 93rd Street and University Avenue. The criminal case was tentatively set for trial in February of 2017.
The Castros owned the home and the Reynas lived there.
The Reynas and Castros sued McKay in 2015 and the case is still pending. McKay issued a general denial in the 2015 lawsuit.
“Families should feel secure in their own home,” attorney Chad Inderman said at the time of the 2015 lawsuit. “It’s not fair, and they deserve to be compensated for what this drunk driver did to them.”
A written statement from Inderman also said, “The Reyna family – including Michael, Celeste, Michael Jr., and Marcello – were in the front bedroom at the time of the crash. The force of the impact launched Michael Jr. into the adjacent room.”
The newest lawsuit said the Reyna family suffered medical bills, serious injuries, loss of earning capacity and other damages.
Specifically for Michael Reyna, the newest lawsuit said, “Michael Reyna suffered a serious, permanent and disabling injury as a result of the incident made the basis of this lawsuit.”
A message was left for Inderman to seek updated comments on behalf of the Reynas and Castros.
Ruby Tequila’s and Chimy’s both had no comment. A message was left for Blue Mesa.
EverythingLubbock.com searched the online database of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The search revealed no violations for the three businesses attributed to the June 17, 2015 crash (such as serving an intoxicated person).
This story will be updated if comments are offered.
