STOW, OH – The family of a woman tragically killed at a Taco Bell drive-thru line in the Akron suburb is seeking justice through a lawsuit. Megan Keleman, 25, lost her life when a stranger, later identified as Jason Williams, shot her before turning the gun on himself on August 14, 2024.
That evening, Keleman was parked at the Taco Bell drive-thru when Williams, 53, began ramming his car into the back of hers. Keleman, trapped as there was no escape lane, called her father for help. Witnesses described Williams as enraged, which was confirmed when nearby employees urgently contacted the police. Moments later, Williams approached Keleman armed and fired fatal shots.
The lawsuit, filed by Keleman’s family, unveils troubling details about Williams’ past. It indicates that despite numerous warning signs, Williams evaded legal repercussions for his repeated offenses, allowing him to remain a threat to society. Among the evidence cited are his prior charges related to firearms and alcohol, which were often downgraded, allowing him to retain access to weapons.
Revelations about Williams’ state of mind have further complicated the case. His psychiatrist allegedly admitted to not being shocked by the violent end, a grim testament to his disturbed mental state, punctuated by past suicidal threats and a history of substance abuse. At the time of the incident, Williams was reportedly on multiple medications, none of which impeded his firearm possession.
Criminal charges and erratic behavior surrounded Williams for decades. Convictions from the 1990s and 2023 involving weapons and intoxication were frequently lessened, offering him opportunities to get back into society without sufficient monitoring. His final legal troubles before the murder-suicide included violations related to firearms and drunk driving, for which he failed to adhere to mandated precautions.
One alarming encounter with authorities earlier in 2024 saw Williams openly contemplate suicide, yet police reportedly left him at his promise to seek outpatient help with no follow-up checks. This oversight is part of the contentious issue Keleman’s family is pressing in their case.
Those named in the lawsuit include the administrators of Williams’ estate and other parties yet to be identified, whose actions or negligence are believed to have contributed to this catastrophe. The family argues for accountability, demanding compensatory and punitive damages for the loss of Megan Keleman.
The lawsuit also calls for broader social changes, like improvements to gun laws and enhanced police protocols for mental health crises. Additionally, it advocates for modifications to drive-thru designs to include emergency exit lanes, which might have prevented the tragic events that unfolded.
Attorney Rebecca Sremack, representing the Keleman family, emphasized the need for legal recourse as a means of enacting change, from policy implementation to greater systemic accountability to prevent future tragedies.
A representative for Williams’ estate has acknowledged the tragedy and stated a commitment to fulfilling all legal obligations while the proceedings continue.