DWI Victim's Parents Sue Houston-Area Bar That Served Suspect

SPRING, Texas — The parents of a woman killed by a drunken driver last year are blaming the bar that allegedly served the suspect just prior to the accident.

Attorneys for John and Melinda Red have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pompeii, where Lakedra Franklin allegedly drank heavily before staggering to her car last February.

The accident happened on Kuykendahl Road, just south of FM 1960 in Spring. Authorities say the car driven by Franklin crossed the center divider and struck another vehicle head-on. Michelle Red, 18, a passenger in vehicle that was struck, died instantly.

“She would still be here today if the bar had of stopped serving that woman drinks,” said John Red, the victim’s father.

Franklin faces charges of intoxicated vehicular manslaughter. But it’s the bar who the family holds responsible. The victim is survived by a 3-year-old son who’s now being raised by his grandparents.

“We were prepared to be grandparents, but not parents for the rest of his life.”

No one at Pompeii could be reached for comment. The family’s attorney said there is ample evidence that the bar was to blame for what happened.

“When someone is that intoxicated, you can’t just put them out the door and say you’re no longer our problem,” said Jason Gibson.

“Because that makes them somebody else’s problem, and that’s exactly what happened in this case.”

Franklin’s court date has been set for mid April. In the meantime, the Reds said they remain haunted by what happened.

“The not knowing is really the hard part,” said Red. “Not knowing if she felt pain or what she saw.”