The family of one of the Nashville Waffle House shooting victims is suing Travis Reinking’s father. Christian Perez filed suit against Jeffrey Reinking of Morton in Tazewell County Circuit Court Monday.
Perez’s brother, Joe R. Perez, Jr., was one of four people shot and killed in the early morning hours of April 22. Tennessee authorities have charged 29-year-old Travis Reinking with the shooting.
Jeffrey Reinking legally took possession of four guns owned by his son after Travis Reinking’s Firearm Owner’s Identification, or FOID card, was revoked last August.
Investigators say one of the guns, an AR-15, was used in the Waffle House shooting. The lawsuit alleges the senior Reinking was negligent in returning the guns despite knowing his son suffered mental health issues.
Christian Perez is seeking more than $50,000 and other monetary damages on behalf of his brother’s estate. Jeffrey Reinking's lawyer, Joel Brown, didn't immediately reply to a message seeking comment on the lawsuit.
A hearing on the suit is set for October 18.
