Waffle House shooting victim’s brother files suit against accused shooter’s father

Travis Reinking (pictured) was arrested for allegedly killing four people at a Waffle House near Nashville, having used a gun his father reportedly gave to him. (Photo courtesy Twitter/Metro Nashville PD)

By Jaymee Toler/WMBD-TV

PEKIN – The brother of a victim in April’s shooting at a Tennessee Waffle House has filed a lawsuit against the accused shooter’s father.

Christian Perez’s brother, Joe Perez, Jr., was one of four killed April 22 when Travis Reinking allegedly opened fire at the Waffle House in Tennessee.

On Monday, Christian Perez filed a suit in Tazewell County against Jeffrey Reinking, Travis’ father. Perez is the administrator of his brother’s estate.

Police say Jeffrey Reinking has admitted to returning guns to his son, despite the revocation of his Firearm Owner’s Identification Card. The lawsuit claims Reinking knew his son had mental health issues when he returned the guns to Travis. The suit alleges that, regardless of whether Travis’ mental state was stable at the time, his father knew it could deteriorate at any time.

Perez is seeking $50,000 and a jury trial. A management conference is set for October 18.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…