Ohio woman sues three individuals for grandson's death

WAYNE -- A Columbus, Ohio, woman is suing three individuals after she claims they are responsible for her grandson's 2009 death.

On Jan. 1, 2009, James Michael Mullins was shot and killed by Haskel Lee Johnson, who was shooting a pistol while living with his parents, Arvil Johnson and Charlotte Johnson, according to a complaint filed Dec. 30 in Wayne Circuit Court.

Susie Yarbour claims Haskel Lee Johnson admitted that he shot Mullins and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

The defendants owed duties to ensure that Haskel Lee Johnson was properly trained in utilizing a firearm and had taken the legally required safety courses required in West Virginia and failed to do so, according to the suit.

Yarbour claims Haskel Lee Johnson was known by Arvil Johnson and Charlotte Johnson to routinely be in possession of a firearm and have an unstable personality and/or mental health issues and/or know of his lack of training in firearm safety.

Yarbour is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Derek W. Marsteller.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Wayne Circuit Court case number: 10-C-274