Texas Lawyer reports that after a party at the home owned by Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Philips, 17 year-old Audrey King was killed. She was a passenger in a car, driven by fellow party-goer, who was allegedly intoxicated. The girls were furnished alcohol while at the Philips home, which included drinking games and beer bongs. When the noise got out of hand--usually a sign people are getting intoxicated--all of the attendees were kicked out by the Philips, and ordered to leave. The intoxicated teenagers left, and Audry King was killed.
An investigation ensued. Strangely, The Philips were not questioned. The owners of the home where the alcohol was served--the same alcohol that led to the death of Audrey King. Surely it has nothing to do with the fact that Tom Philips sat on the Texas Supreme Court. Surely it has nothing to do with the fact that he is now a Partner at one of the most affluent "Big Firms" in Texas, Baker & Botts. Surely, justice is blind to wealth and power. One would hope so.
In their response to the lawsuit that was filed against them, the Philipses deny any fault whatsoever. They denied even knowing alcohol was being consumed on their property. Only time will tell.
Either way, a party was had, minors were furnished alcohol at the party, the house was owned by Tom Philips, and a 17-year old is dead. So far, the arena of public opinion has placed the blame on the Philips, who owned the home, the parents of Audry King for being negligent because their teenage daughter consumed alcohol (which borders on ludicrous), and blaming the 17-year old herself for her own death. Those critics practically claim that the young girl "had it coming" to her.
In the end, perhaps some education in alcohol awareness is warranted. Regardless of the result of this lawsuit, this was a needless tragedy. Rather than asking "Who here is to blame?" we should instead be asking, "Who isn't?"
