Parents Sought Crash Video in Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The parents of a fatal crash victim petitioned a court for Highway Patrol footage to support their civil litigation.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Accidents
Lori Hudson and Anthony Henshaw filed a petition in Buncombe Superior Court for law enforcement video of the 2024 crash that killed their son, Caleb Hudson Henshaw. The parents seek the footage as part of their wrongful death lawsuit against The Bier Garden, which they allege overserved the other driver.
Why it matters
The evidence request aims to clarify legal liability in the ongoing civil case against the bar. It follows criminal proceedings against the driver, Eden Alexis Jo Russo, who was charged with second-degree murder.
The petition for crash footage was filed in Buncombe Superior Court on October 5, 2026. The lawsuit against The Bier Garden is set for trial on April 19, 2027, following the driver's second-degree murder charge.
The players
Lori Hudson and Anthony Henshaw
They are the parents of the crash victim who are pursuing legal action in the case.
Eden Alexis Jo Russo
She is the driver involved in the fatal collision who faces criminal charges.
Caleb Hudson Henshaw
He was the 21-year-old victim who died in the head-on collision.
The Bier Garden
It is an Asheville establishment currently being sued for allegedly overserving a customer.
Buncombe Superior Court
This is the judicial body overseeing the criminal proceedings and the wrongful death lawsuit.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that The Bier Garden overserved Eden Alexis Jo Russo prior to the head-on collision on I-40 that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Caleb Hudson Henshaw. The bar filed a formal response denying all allegations of negligence on August 5, 2026.
Timeline
September 8, 2024: The crash involving Henshaw and Russo occurred.
January 2025: Russo was charged with second-degree murder.
October 5, 2026: Parents filed a petition for crash video footage.
April 19, 2027: The lawsuit is set to go to trial.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the North Carolina dram shop liability standards regarding bar owner responsibility for patron conduct. The lawsuit tests the boundaries of these standards by seeking to hold a venue responsible for an off-site fatal collision.
The civil case raises questions for local business owners regarding liability protocols and service standards. Residents in the Asheville area may see increased scrutiny of alcohol service practices at local hospitality venues.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal charges and civil litigation in wrongful death cases involving alcohol. Families seeking accountability often face long procedural delays while attempting to secure evidence through the court system.
What happens next
The wrongful death lawsuit is scheduled for trial on April 19, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings related to local incidents, visit the Asheville Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Asheville Citizen Times.
