Suit filed against convenience store where SC actor was shot in 2021. He died 2 years later
A personal representative of a South Carolina actor, who was shot at a Columbia convenience store and died two years later, is suing the store for negligence.
Early in October 2021, Samuel Tumaini Nagi Njuguna — who appeared in several movies and TV series — was shot several times by an assailant at CK Mart, at 2624 Broad River Road. While Njuguna didn’t immediately die from his wounds, he passed in 2023 after suffering from addiction and mental health issues.
“The shooting impacted both his health and career and led to a downward spiral that ultimately cost him his life,” the lawsuit said.
A representative of his estate, Peninah Nduta Nagi, is suing CK Mart for negligence, saying there is a history of violence at the store.
Nagi is represented by Tyler Bailey of the Bailey Law Firm.
The lawsuit alleges that at the time of Njuguna’s shooting he “was a successful actor,” — and that the shooting severely hampered his career.
The suit claims that CK Mart, where Njuguna was initially shot, “is notorious in the area for criminal activity.”
In May 2021, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated a reported sexual assault that occurred in the parking lot of CK Mart as bystanders recorded the incident and posted it on social media, the lawsuit said.
And, in August 2022, Richland County deputies found a person dead after responding to reports of a shooting at the CK Mart.
“That CK Mart has been a hot spot for multiple fatal shootings, drug overdoses, and a constant source of apprehension for the entire Broad River District community,” the complaint states. “Residents have repeatedly flagged the establishment as a serious concern, contributing to their hesitation to conduct business nearby after dark.”
The State has not been able to reach anyone at the CK Mart or its parent company for comment.
Njuguna was featured in several films and TV series, including Lilith’s Ball: 7 Deadly Sins, Pieces and NCIS: New Orleans.
This story was originally published October 8, 2024 at 5:44 PM.
