Wal-Mart: Where people go to die.

[MrAngryFace]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/al-norman/more-mayhem-death-at-wal_b_148922.html

Florida resident Patrick Donovan, 53, died over $393 in Wal-Mart merchandise, lying face down in the giant retailer's parking lot last week. The media reported the exact amount of Wal-Mart goods Donovan had allegedly shop-lifted---so we can quantify the value of this man's life.

In a reversal of the death of a 34 year old Wal-Mart worker last week under the feet of aggressive Wal-Mart shoppers, Donovan's death in Florida---three days after the Long Island incident---was at the hands of three Wal-Mart workers, who wrestled the alleged shoplifter to the ground, where the man died.

The Wal-Mart workers and one bystander held Donovan down, while one leaned on his back and another held down his arms and head. The police report says they told Donovan to stop fighting, and asked witnesses to call 911. By the time Donovan had stopped struggling, he had died.

"There will be no charges pressed," a spokeswoman for the city of North Myrtle Beach told the Sun News. Authorities said results from an autopsy in the case could take "a few months." In the meantime, officials simply concluded, "There is no criminal act." In the words of the County Coroner's office, "As far as I am concerned there is no case here." The family of Patrick Donovan is likely to conclude otherwise, and their lawyer might like to review the court records of one Stacy Driver.

On August 7, 2005, Stacy Driver, 30, of Cleveland, Ohio, a master carpenter and the father of a two year old son, died from a heart attack, while lying face down in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Atascocita, Texas. Driver was pinned down on the burning hot pavement by several Wal-Mart workers who accused him of shoplifting a package of diapers, a pair of sunglasses, a BB gun, and a package of BBs. The Harris County, Texas Medical Examiner's Office ruled Driver's death was a homicide. An autopsy showed that the death was caused by asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, with a secondary cause of hyperthermia. The Houston Chronicle reported that Wal-Mart paid nearly $750,000 to Driver's family as part of a settlement.

There is a legal case already underway in the Long Island trampling. The family of Jdimytai Damour, the Wal-Mart temp who was crushed by Black Friday shoppers, has filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, the shopping center owners, and a security company, charging them all with "carelessness and reckless negligence." The lawsuit adds: "The defendants...engaged in specific marketing and advertising techniques to specifically attract a large crowd and create an environment of frenzy and mayhem and was otherwise careless, reckless and negligent." An autopsy on Damour revealed he died of asphyxiation. While Florida officials need months to figure out what killed Patrick Donovan, the Damour family is well on its way toward a huge financial settlement.

Less than a week after Donovan's parking lot death in South Carolina, a 67-year-old man was kidnapped and stabbed in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Poway, California. The victim, who police would not identify, had just purchased some milk at a Wal-Mart, and was walking home when a man stuck a gun in his back and threatened to kill him. The attacker forced the man behind some large shipping containers in the Wal-Mart parking lot. "He thought the guy was going to kill him," the police report said. The elderly victim fought off his attacker, and knocked the gun under a container. The attacker pursued him through the parking lot, where a Wal-Mart security guard saw the fight, and called the police. The victim was stabbed in the hand and thigh, was treated at a hospital and released.

For Wal-Mart, such cases can be very costly financially. In March of 2001, Katoria Lee stopped off at a Wal-Mart store in Riverdale, Georgia to buy some party supplies for her 9 year-old son, who was asleep inside her Ford Explorer. She parked under a light pole close to the front entrance of the store. When she emerged from the Wal-Mart, an assailant told Lee to give him her keys. Lee dropped the keys and ran---but the assailant shot her in the back with a .380-caliber handgun. Five years of court battles later, a jury in Clayton County, Georgia ordered Wal-Mart to pay Lee $4,200,000 in damages from her civil suit against the retailer. "This is exactly what Wal-Mart should have expected," Lee's lawyer said. "Wal-Mart should have had security in the parking lot, and should have known that violent crimes had occurred in the past in this parking lot, and would continue to occur on their property." Lee's attorney provided a list of 398 visits by police to that store for various crimes in the 20 months leading up to her shooting.

Reading reports of suicide, rape, and larceny every week, one gets the impression that shopping at Wal-Mart is like taking a stroll through Fallujah. In May of 2006, the group Wake Up Wal-Mart released a national study on Wal-Mart and crime. The study, entitled "Is Wal-Mart Safe?" analyzed 2004 police incident reports at 551 Wal-Mart store locations. Among the key findings: In 2004, police received 148,331 calls for service for the 551 Wal-Mart stores analyzed, averaging 269 reported police incidents per store; for just the 551 stores sampled, there were 2,909 reported police calls for "violent or serious crimes," including 4 homicides, 9 rapes or attempts, 23 kidnappings or attempts, 154 sex crimes, 550 robberies or attempts and 1,024 auto thefts. Based on the number of reported police incidents for the sample, Wake Up Wal-Mart estimated police responded to nearly 1 million police incidents at Wal-Mart in 2004 costing taxpayers $77 million annually in legal and court costs.

Who will be the next Stacy Driver, or Patrick Donovan? Wal-Mart has been very tight-lipped about store security, crowd control, parking lot monitoring, or any of the other responses needed to put a lid on this very visible problem. Instead, Wal-Mart finds itself issuing press releases "extending its sympathy to the family of the deceased."

"We consider Mr. Damour part of the Wal-Mart family," the retailer says, "and are saddened by his death." But the rest of America is saddened by Wal-Mart's inability to spend more of its nearly $13 billion in profits to protect its shoppers, its workers, and the American taxpayers from this chronic litany of tragedies on their premises. If Wal-Mart can spend $2 billion on advertising, it can invest more in store safety and security for the public.

These incidents at Wal-Mart do not help us "Live Better," as the corporation's motto says. They may persuade more shoppers to skip the Wal-Mart experience entirely. You can be sure that the mayhem, headlines and lawsuits are being noticed by Wal-Mart shareholders.

[ToxicAdam]

I went to Wal-mart last night to pick up a few presents (DS games for my nieces). I was talking to the cashier and she said that theft is so rampant (at that location), they almost considered shutting the place down. It was just built 4 years ago.

[Brehvolution]

Finally, some shoplifting justice. I don't feel sorry for thieves.

[Human Snorenado]

Finally, some shoplifting justice. I don't feel sorry for thieves.

You're a fucking idiot.  A 53 year old dude stealing less than 400 dollars worth of shit should be chased down and knocked to the ground and asphyxiated to death?  Do the world a favor and go drink some drano, you fucking shit stain.

[OptimoPeach]

Have I been watching too much CSI, or is "a few months" a lengthy wait for autopsy results? Considering the circumstances, I don't know why they would wait so long.

[ToxicAdam]

Well, the answer here is that the "secret shoppers" need more training and these stores can't get their employees involved in apprehending these folks if they do get violent. The employees have no idea what they are doing and are more likely to kill accidentally.

I was in a situation like this when I worked at Krogers (just out of high school). It was late in the evening and one of the security asked me to help apprehend this lady who was stealing shit. She became violent and we had to subdue her. I was just an 18 year old meathead ... luckily, she was pretty frail and easy to restrain. If it were a bigger, more aggressive guy ... who knows what might have happened.

[DJ_Tet]

In a lot of states the employees are FORBIDDEN to go after shoplifters.  There is way too much liability to the stores if an incident goes bad.  Theft prevention has it's own employees, the guys stocking shelves need to keep stocking shelves.

It's not their place to get involved, and I hope Walmart gets their asses sued.

'There are no charges to be filed' lol go fuck yourself

[Brehvolution]

Finally, some shoplifting justice. I don't feel sorry for thieves.

You're a fucking idiot.  A 53 year old dude stealing less than 400 dollars worth of shit should be chased down and knocked to the ground and asphyxiated to death?  Do the world a favor and go drink some drano, you fucking shit stain.

Ease back dude. I don't think anyone should have died. I think there were other things involved that aren't reported on.

By the time Donovan had stopped struggling, he had died.

I mean, what the fuck does that mean. He still struggled after he died?

[Tauntaun]

Have I been watching too much CSI, or is "a few months" a lengthy wait for autopsy results? Considering the circumstances, I don't know why they would wait so long.

Dude, it's the holidays.   

On August 7, 2005, Stacy Driver, 30, of Cleveland, Ohio, a master carpenter and the father of a two year old son

That poor poor man, not only did he die at Walmart but....he had a girls name.  smh

[HyperZoneWasAwesome]

Wal-Mart might be one of the only business that I wouldn't begrudge somebody for stealing from.
I'm just saying its gonna take an awful lot to make me feel sympathetic towards that particular company.

[Brehvolution]

PS3

Human life

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Such a strange correlation. 

[close]

[Eel O'Brian]

they should put those workers in the same prison they should put the people who trampled that dude to death

[Fragamemnon]

Wal-Mart might have less theft if their stores didn't look like some terrible third world bazaar.

[FatalT]

Finally, some shoplifting justice. I don't feel sorry for thieves.

I agree with Zero Hero, regardless of the bullshit others may claim about death not being a punishment fit for shoplifting. I fucking hate stupid motherfuckers trying to steal shit in stores. I fucking hate when people come into Best Buy and immediately go to the rap section since it's beside the bathroom to steal fucking shitty ass music. When this shit happens, I stand beside the entrance to the hallway leading to the bathrooms and just watch what the fuck these faggoty ass pieces of shit do. Most of the time they back off and leave the store because they realize they're being watched and won't be able to steal a goddamn thing.

I swear to god one day one of these pieces of shit will try to pull a knife or a gun or some fucking bullshit like that over a goddamn shitty as Hell Rella CD and I promise you that either I will be killed or they will be injured. I cannot stand people who steal things in an actual physical building. Go get a fucking job you shit-eating mongrel twats. If you can't afford a piece of shit $13 CD then you shouldn't be in a store anyways. You should be out panhandling for money. Go get a goddamn computer and fucking pirate it for fuck's sake.

Fuck this 53 year old shit stain on Earth. I could care less if he died. He's 53 fucking years old. He shouldn't be stealing in the first place. Did he think that if he was caught that he could run away? A 53 year old man can't run from shit except for his equally decrepit wife. How the fuck were the workers supposed to know that this shitty old man was going to die while they were subduing him? Fuck him, fuck his wife, and fuck his 2-year old son. I hope the kid grows up with downs syndrome.

SMFH @ people defending this shit old man.

[Eel O'Brian]

i'm not defending him, he needed to go to jail

but store employees aren't cops or regulators from some western movie

[FatalT]

i'm not defending him, he needed to go to jail

but store employees aren't cops or regulators from some western movie

What would you say a store employee could do to a thief then? Best Buy's policy is that NO employee is allowed to stop or chase after a thief. I find that policy to be completely bullshit. With that policy, the store is basically allowing anyone to come in and steal whatever they can get away with. After they get out of the store, they're completely free unless law enforcement is able to catch him, which in most cases won't happen because it takes far too long for any sort of police force to arrive at the scene before the thief escapes.

Hey, come steal our shit. If you get out of the store, you win!

[OptimoPeach]

I agree with Zero Hero, regardless of the bullshit others may claim about death not being a punishment fit for shoplifting.

Who are you, fucking Hammurabi?

[FatalT]

Passing judgment when it's not your fucking job will always be a in my book, so don't defend their offense.

Okay, so what would you suggest an employee do in the scenario of a thief running from them with stolen merchandise in the store?

I agree with Zero Hero, regardless of the bullshit others may claim about death not being a punishment fit for shoplifting.

Who are you, fucking Hammurabi?

No, I'm fucking Hitler. Get into my gas chamber. There's free candy.

[DJ_Tet]

lol FatalT is going to get stabbed AND fired


Don't be a hero kid.  Let the cameras do their job.

[FatalT]

lol FatalT is going to get stabbed AND fired


Don't be a hero kid.  Let the cameras do their job.

Cameras have blind spots. I wouldn't be fired. You don't know the circumstances of where I work. Thanks for the assumptions.

[Eel O'Brian]

on the other hand, that black friday debacle could have been solved with some armed security

how in the hell they expected one or two employees to keep a crowd of 2000 from getting out of hand is beyond me

[Olivia Wilde Homo]

I wonder why these distinguished mentally-challenged fellows acted the way they did.  Nobody was going to pat them on the back and in fact, where I worked in retail, you couldn't lay a single hand on alleged shoplifter.  The reason is that if they did and it turns out the goods were legitimately bought, then the store can be sued.  I'm certain Walmart has a similar policy as no business wants to get sued for anything.

I'm guessing it was a pack of distinguished mentally-challenged fellows who thought they were hot shit at Walmart (srsly, there are these people) and tried to deal out some tard justice against this shoplifter.

I'm not going to defend the shoplifter but the employees were dumbfucks.

[MrAngryFace]

At Staples you do NOT touch the customer, EVER. Even if he's going to get away. Staples keeps that kinda shit under control. They'd rather lose a 300 dollar item than face a million dollar lawsuit.

I am shaking my head at those who seem to think human life somehow equates to the price of stolen shit on their person. This isn't about winning or losing, its about potential harm. Sure, the customer gets hurt in these stories, but have you already forgotten the employee killed? This isn't fucking CHIPS. Sell your merchandise, leave the footchases to security.

[Eel O'Brian]

there was a case right here in wilmington, years ago, where a sears employee pretty much tackled this guy he thought was shoplifting in the parking lot

turns out he wasn't, and oh the $$$$ lawsuit

[DJ_Tet]

I like how he defends piracy but is willing to get stabbed or fired over a $13 cd.

Way to put it to the man!

[FatalT]

At Staples you do NOT touch the customer, EVER. Even if he's going to get away. Staples keeps that kinda shit under control. They'd rather lose a 300 dollar item than face a million dollar lawsuit.

It seems like it's less of a matter of morals and more a matter of our horrible court system.

Passing judgment when it's not your fucking job will always be a in my book, so don't defend their offense.

Okay, so what would you suggest an employee do in the scenario of a thief running from them with stolen merchandise in the store?

I suggest that the fucking store hire security guards who're ready for this kind of shit to stand at the doors.

Good point. Security guards would be helpful. Unfortunately most stores have their priorities in areas other than theft prevention. Wal-Mart has none that I know of. They have cameras, sure, but I doubt they have anyone watching them.

Jesus fucking christ someone is defending this?

I like how he defends piracy but is willing to get stabbed or fired over a $13 cd.

Way to put it to the man!

THE MAN IS KEEPING US DOWN!

[DJ_Tet]

I work in theft prevention and heard a quote on the radio that last quarter shoplifting was up 10% over same time last year.

Recession-proof baby!

[DJ_Tet]

It seems like it's less of a matter of morals and more a matter of our horrible court system.

Actually it's a matter of employees not being trained to hold and restrain people 'accused' of crime.

It's also a safety measure for all the other employees in the store not playing hero.  A lot of shoplifting is actually very organized crime and a wrong move by a hothead 20something with nothing to lose could endanger the whole workforce.

There are measures in place to stop theft.  

[FatalT]

Oh man I should start doing this. Walk to a mega-store and act extremely suspicious (as if I hid something in my raincoat) and wait to get tackled.

$_$

When you get tackled, open up your raincoat and whip out your penis.

Actually it's a matter of employees not being trained to hold and restrain people 'accused' of crime.

It's also a safety measure for all the other employees in the store not playing hero.  A lot of shoplifting is actually very organized crime and a wrong move by a hothead 20something with nothing to lose could endanger the whole workforce.

There are measures in place to stop theft. 

Right. Cameras and security detectors placed at doors.

[MrAngryFace]

I think a lot of people think employees will always win the exchange, which is typical of 'invincible' teenagers

[Eel O'Brian]

i believe this guy had returned some sort of power tool, and walked out of the store with the replacement sans-box, so to the employee it looked like he was walking out with a display tool

still, that guy got some bux - probably not a whole lot after paying a lawyer, but likely enough to soothe a raspberrried arm and any humiliation

[FatalT]

I think a lot of people think employees will always win the exchange, which is typical of 'invincible' teenagers

These are the ones you see on the news killed or involved in a lawsuit. Since we're not seeing ages or other demographics of the 3 workers who subdued the 53 year old man then we can also assume that these workers were 'invincible' teenagers.

[DJ_Tet]

Right. Cameras and security detectors placed at doors.

Don't forget about the cameras in the parking lot that can get license plates that can be traced.

[MrAngryFace]

I think a lot of people think employees will always win the exchange, which is typical of 'invincible' teenagers

These are the ones you see on the news killed or involved in a lawsuit. Since we're not seeing ages or other demographics of the 3 workers who subdued the 53 year old man then we can also assume that these workers were 'invincible' teenagers.

Hey, I walked the beat 6 years, just callin it as I see it.

[FatalT]

Hey, I walked the beat 6 years, just callin it as I see it.

Experience comes with age.

[Bloodwake]

Wal-Mart is the pit of hell.

[Mr. Gundam]

Wal-Mart is the pit of hell.

Wal-Mart is where you go when you want to feel better about yourself. I honestly have no idea where those people come from.

[ManaByte]

I saw a guy shoplifting toothbrushes in Wal-Mart the other night.

[DJ_Tet]

That poor should get a PC and download toothbrushes like the rest of us 

[FatalT]

That poor should get a PC and download toothbrushes like the rest of us 

You bastard!