Toledo, Ohio — The parents of a 26-year-old man who was mortally shot on his residential street are seeking justice through legal action against the owner of an Airbnb property. They contend that her negligence contributed to the tragic incident, which interrupted their son’s plans for a wedding and a future with his fiancé.
Mark and Amy Lepkowski filed a lawsuit in Lucas County Common Pleas Court against Jennifer Wolf, alleging that her actions led to the shooting of their son, Cole Lepkowski, on June 29. The complaint seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for the profound loss of their son, who was known to be vibrant and full of potential.
The lawsuit claims that Wolf permitted an unsupervised party at her rental property on West Lincolnshire Boulevard, close to where Cole lived with his fiancé, Andrew Price. The parents assert that Wolf failed to provide a safe environment for her guests and the surrounding community.
According to the legal filing, an unidentified individual discharged a firearm during the gathering, resulting in Cole being shot as he and Andrew returned home from a late-night trip. Price recounted the moment, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the violence in what they believed to be a secure neighborhood.
The legal complaint outlines several instances of alleged negligence on Wolf’s part. It argues that her decisions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the risk of violence inherent in hosting a large party, which the lawsuit contends was never authorized. Furthermore, the suit claims that she had not properly registered her home with the city for short-term rentals, rendering the Airbnb operation illegal.
Additionally, the lawsuit criticizes Wolf for allegedly violating Airbnb’s own policies by listing the property for an event that was unauthorized. The plaintiffs assert that Wolf was aware of the sizeable gathering at her home and should have taken measures to prevent any incidents.
On the night of the shooting, Cole and Andrew went out for a late snack after an evening spent working on a project with family. Upon their return, they encountered double-parked cars lining their typically quiet street, signs of the party’s disruptive nature. Moments later, they faced the unexpected violence that would change their lives forever.
Andrew recounted the harrowing experience to reporters. After hearing gunshots, he drove away quickly, only to discover Cole had suffered a fatal injury. Body camera footage from responding officers shows Andrew administering CPR while police searched for the shooter, but tragically, Cole did not survive the ordeal.
The impact of this loss has been profound for Andrew, who continues to live in the same home filled with shared memories. He often reflects on his hopes for the future with Cole, including dreams of marriage and family, all of which have been shattered. Though Andrew tries to find solace in remembering the love they shared, the haunting memory of that night weighs heavily on him.
As the investigation into Cole’s death remains ongoing and unsolved, local authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward. The heartache experienced by the Lepkowski family serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and violence within communities.
Amid their grief, Mark and Amy Lepkowski aim to seek accountability for their son’s death. They hope to make his story known, not only to achieve justice but also to keep alive the memory of the life he had so vividly planned.