Family Filed Lawsuit Over Twin Peaks Shooting
The family of a man killed in a November 2024 shooting filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Huntsville restaurant.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Violence
The family of 23-year-old Ray'shun Bates filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Twin Peaks restaurant on University Drive following a fatal shooting in November 2024. The suspect, 21-year-old Jeremiah Marque Matkins, remains in the Madison County Jail while facing murder charges.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that Twin Peaks failed to provide adequate security and served enough alcohol to impair the judgment of the suspect, which the plaintiffs claim contributed to the fatal altercation.
Jeremiah Marque Matkins is currently held at the Madison County Jail on a charge of murder. The legal proceedings regarding the wrongful death suit remain ongoing.
The players
Ray'shun Bates
He was the 23-year-old victim of a fatal shooting at a Huntsville restaurant.
Jeremiah Marque Matkins
He is the 21-year-old suspect currently charged with murder in the death of Ray'shun Bates.
Madison County Jail
This is the correctional facility where the suspect is currently being held pending legal proceedings.
Twin Peaks
This is the restaurant chain named as the defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim's family.
The details
The shooting occurred after an argument broke out between groups inside the restaurant, prompting the suspect to retrieve a firearm from his vehicle before returning to shoot the victim. The complaint contends that the restaurant establishment failed in its duty to ensure a safe environment for patrons.
Timeline
The fatal shooting occurred at the Twin Peaks restaurant in November 2024.
Legal Context
This lawsuit follows a pattern of litigation where establishments face accountability for violent acts under established Dram Shop Act liability standards. Such cases often hinge on whether the venue met its duty of care in monitoring alcohol consumption and maintaining safety.
Residents may see continued scrutiny regarding safety protocols at local nightlife venues in the University Drive area. The litigation highlights the importance of security measures and responsible alcohol service in public establishments.
The takeaway
This case underscores the potential legal risks businesses face when they fail to provide adequate security or monitor alcohol consumption on their premises. It serves as a reminder of how premises liability and alcohol service laws can be leveraged following acts of violence.
Further reading
For more on legal developments in the area, visit Violence.
