A longtime Tallahassee law firm says it’s now representing the family and estate of Robert Morales, one of two men killed April 17 in the mass shooting on Florida State University’s campus.
The law firm of Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs said in a June 20 news release it “intentionally delayed” announcing its involvement “to allow time for the family to grieve and begin the process of healing in private.”
“The Morales family has shown extraordinary strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” said attorney Dean LeBoeuf, one the firm’s name partners. “We are honored to stand with them and are committed to pursuing justice for Robert and holding the appropriate parties accountable.”
Morales, a 57-year-old husband, father, coach and cook, was known for having a heart for service and commitment to kindness, those who knew him said.
A 20-year-old student gunman opened fire at the FSU Student Union, killing Morales and Aramark executive Tiru Chabba, and injuring six students. Chabba’s family has retained Bakari Sellers, a prominent civil rights attorney based in Columbia, South Carolina, to represent them.
Morales was dining coordinator at FSU at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
The accused gunman, Phoenix Ikner, decided to “stand mute,” meaning he chose not to respond to murder and other charges against him. His lawyer filed a plea of not guilty for him on June 5, records show. State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed he intends to seek the death penalty against Ikner.
Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Brooks LeBoeuf law firm of Tallahassee to represent Morales family in FSU shooting case
Reporting by Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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