On August 22, 2022, 19-year-old Jordan Markie tragically died by suicide inside the Scheels sporting goods store at Eden Prairie Center in Minnesota. The incident has since sparked a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his mother, Sarah Van Bogart, against Scheels All Sports Inc. and employee William Ballantyne, alleging negligence and failure to follow industry-standard safety protocols.
According to the lawsuit, Markie entered the store and requested to view a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun. Ballantyne, a certified firearms instructor, handed over the firearm without verifying Markie’s age or identification, despite the legal requirement in Minnesota that individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. The gun was provided without a trigger lock or other disabling device, and with a magazine in place, making it ready to receive ammunition. Within moments, Markie loaded the weapon and fatally shot himself inside the store.
The lawsuit contends that Scheels’ actions were negligent and contrary to industry practices. It highlights that other major retailers, such as Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, had implemented stricter firearm protocols following mass shootings, including not selling firearms to individuals under 21. Despite calls for similar measures, Scheels did not adopt these standards.
Furthermore, the suit alleges that Markie’s behavior in the store—appearing nervous and attempting to access locked gun cabinets—should have raised red flags for the staff. The failure to question his age or intentions, combined with the immediate access to an operable firearm, created a situation where a young man in crisis could take his own life.
Everytown Law, representing Van Bogart, emphasized the importance of implementing basic safety measures, such as using trigger locks and verifying customer age, to prevent such tragedies. They argue that had Scheels taken these precautions, Markie’s death could have been avoided.
Scheels has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, and a motion to dismiss the case was heard in Hennepin County District Court. The outcome of this legal action could have significant implications for firearm sales practices and retailer responsibilities nationwide.
Markie, remembered as a kind and artistic individual, had a passion for music and medieval history. His untimely death has brought attention to the critical need for responsible firearm handling and the implementation of safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.
The post Jordan Markie Obituary – Tragic Loss of 19-Year-Old Sparks Lawsuit Over Eden Prairie Scheels Incident first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
