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)
MARY KATHERINE DANIEL ) Civil Action No. _________________________
& JOHN PRESTON DANIEL )
as Personal Representatives of the)
Estate of ELIZABETH MAY )
DANIEL, )
)
Plaintiffs, )
)
vs. ) SUMMONS
) (Wrongful Death)
F. JORDAN EARLE, J. EARLE )
FINANCIAL LLC )
ADMINSTRATIVE AGENT )
as Personal Representative )
of the Estate of KEITH ALLEN )
SCHEMM, JR., MARTHA E. ) (Jury Trial Demanded)
JONES, PAULA D. LEWIS )
RAYMOND B. SHORT & NANDY )
SHORT, )
)
Defendants. )
)
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in the above
entitled proceeding, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer
to said Complaint on the subscriber at his offices at Suite 300, The Marlboro Building, 1116 Blanding
Street, Columbia, South Carolina, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day
of such service; and if you fail to answer the said Complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiffs
in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in said Complaint; and a default judgment
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s/ Herbert W. Louthian, Jr.
HERBERT W. LOUTHIAN, JR.
LOUTHIAN LAW FIRM, P.A.
1116 Blanding Street, Suite 300
Post Office Box 1299
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 454-1200
bert@louthianlaw.com
s/William N. Nettles
WILLIAM N. NETTLES
BILL NETTLES, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2008 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 814-2826
bill@billnettleslaw.com
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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA ) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
) NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
COUNTY OF CHARLESTON )
)
MARY KATHERINE DANIEL ) Civil Action No. _________________________
& JOHN PRESTON DANIEL )
as Personal Representatives of the)
Estate of ELIZABETH MAY )
DANIEL, )
)
Plaintiffs, )
)
vs. ) COMPLAINT
) (Wrongful Death)
F. JORDAN EARLE, J. EARLE )
FINANCIAL LLC )
ADMINSTRATIVE AGENT )
as Personal Representative )
of the Estate of KEITH ALLEN )
SCHEMM, JR., MARTHA E. ) (Jury Trial Demanded)
JONES, PAULA D. LEWIS )
RAYMOND B. SHORT & NANDY )
SHORT, )
)
Defendants. )
)
Now come the Plaintiffs, the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Elizabeth May
Daniel (hereinafter, “Libby”, “the Estate” or “Ms. Daniel”), complaining of Defendants, the Estate
of Keith Allen Schemm, Jr., Martha E. Jones, Paula D. Lewis, Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short
who do allege and will show unto this Honorable Court as follows:
1. The Plaintiffs are the parents of Elizabeth May “Libby” Daniel, and the duly
2. Mary Katherine Daniel and the decedent, Elizabeth May Daniel, were at all times
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3. John Preston Daniel was at all times relevant to this Complaint a resident of
Virginia.
4. F. Jordan Earle, the Personal Representative of the Estate of Keith Allen Schemm,
Jr. is a resident of Greenville County, however, the decedent, Keith Allen Schemm, Jr., was at all
Carolina.
7. The Defendants, Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short, are residents of Charleston
8. This Court has jurisdiction of the parties and subject matter herein pursuant to South
Carolina Code Section 15-51-10 et seq. and Section 15-5-90, and venue is proper in this county
pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-7-30 because the Defendants resided in Charleston County, South
Carolina at the time the cause of action arose and the acts and omissions giving rise to the causes
FACTS
9. On or about April 6, 2019, Libby Daniel, a senior at Wando High School, attended
prom with Keith Allen Schemm, Jr., a college freshman. Ms. Daniel was 18 years old. Mr. Schemm
10. Mr. Schemm consumed alcohol in the afternoon before the prom.
11. Mr. Schemm’s mother, Defendant Martha E. Jones, had to drive Mr. Schemm to
the gazebo in Libby’s neighborhood for pictures and then to Ms. Daniel’s residence because he
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12. Following the prom, Ms. Daniel and Mr. Schemm traveled to the residence of
Defendant Paula D. Lewis located at 1810 Tennyson Row in Mount Pleasant to attend a prom
party.
13. Ms. Lewis had set up tables and chairs in the garage at her residence for the party.
14. Defendant Lewis’ son was dating the daughter of Defendants Raymond B. Short
15. Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short provided alcohol for the underage
16. On information and belief, Defendant Paula D. Lewis was aware of and consented
to the alcohol being provided by Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short for the party at
her residence.
18. Defendant Paula D. Lewis observed that the underage individuals were
intoxicated.
19. While Mr. Schemm and Ms. Daniel were at the after party, they consumed alcohol,
including alcohol that had been provided by Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short with
20. Those who attended the after party at the Lewis residence visually noticed that
21. Mr. Schemm and Ms. Daniel departed Defendant Paula D. Lewis’ residence at
22. Mr. Schemm was the driver and Ms. Daniel was the front-seat passenger in Ms.
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23. On information and belief, Mr. Schemm had a reputation for driving while
24. Mr. Schemm drove well in excess of 70 miles per hour on Rifle Range Road where
25. When the road began to curve to the left, Mr. Schemm maintained a forward
direction.
26. The vehicle driven by Mr. Schemm at an excessive speed struck the far-right side
of the road, which caused Mr. Schemm to swerve to the left and cross the center line.
27. By oversteering to the left and back again to the right, the vehicle’s rear tires lost
28. The vehicle then crossed back across the center line on the right side in an out of
control manner, at which point the vehicle driven by Mr. Schemm collided with a tree.
29. The vehicle struck the tree on the driver’s side with such a force that the vehicle
rolled up the tree, with all four tires leaving the ground during the impact and causing the top of
30. Following the collision with the tree, debris was left in the street, causing damage
to a different vehicle that was not present at the time of the accident.
31. The occupants of the second vehicle that hit the debris noticed the Ford Escape and
32. The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the scene at Rifle Range Road
33. When police searched the Ford Escape for potential evidence, they noticed two beer
cans on the driver’s side of the vehicle and a multi-colored glass smoking pipe.
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34. Both Mr. Schemm and Ms. Daniel were pronounced dead at the scene of the
accident.
35. An autopsy report revealed that Mr. Schemm had a blood alcohol content of 0.235%
at the time of his death, which is considered to be under the influence. Mr. Schemm also tested
36. The cause of death for Ms. Daniel was determined to be blunt force trauma to the
head.
37. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through thirty-six (1-36) above are
38. Keith Allen Schemm, Jr. was negligent, grossly negligent, reckless, willful and
wanton in the operation of the motor vehicle in one or more of the following ways:
a. in driving under the influence of alcohol to the degree that his judgment was
impaired;
b. in speeding;
e. in such other and further ways that shall be discovered in this litigation.
39. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the careless, negligent, grossly
negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of this Defendant, Libby Daniel suffered terrible
injuries, including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and ultimately, death.
40. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of this Defendant, Ms.
Daniel’s beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and suffering,
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wounded feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium, deprivation of
use and comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral expenses, and
other damages, and are entitled to a judgment against this Defendant for actual compensatory
damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by the trier of fact, the costs
associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this Court deems just and proper.
41. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through forty (1-40) above are
42. South Carolina Code Section 63-19-2440 and 63-19-2450 make it illegal for a
person under the age of 21 to purchase, consume or possess alcohol and provide penalties for
43. South Carolina Code Sections 56-5-2930 and 56-5-2933 make it illegal to operate
a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or with an alcohol concentration of .08% or higher and
44. The essential purpose of South Carolina Code Sections 63-19-2440 and 63-19-
2450 is to protect underage persons from harming themselves or others due to intoxication.
45. The essential purpose of South Carolina Code Sections 56-5-2930 and 56-5-2933
is to prevent all drivers from harming themselves or others due to intoxicated driving.
46. Libby Daniel was a person who these and other statutes were intended to protect.
47. Keith Allen Schemm, Jr. violated these and other statutes and was guilty of
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b. in driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol to the degree that his
d. in speeding;
i. in such other and further ways that shall be discovered in this litigation.
48. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the violations of these statutes and
the careless, negligent, grossly negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of this Defendant,
Libby Daniel suffered terrible injuries, including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and
ultimately, death.
49. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant’s violations of these statutes, Ms.
Daniel’s beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and suffering,
wounded feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium, deprivation of
use and comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral expenses, and
other damages, and are entitled to a judgment against this Defendant for actual compensatory
damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by the trier of fact, the costs
associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this Court deems just and proper.
50. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through forty-nine (1-49) above are
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51. Defendant Paula D. Lewis participated in preparations for the party, including
setting up tables and chairs, created an environment for the underage consumption of alcohol at
her residence, observed the attendees consuming alcohol and observed the attendees intoxicated.
52. Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short knowingly and intentionally
provided alcohol for the underage prom party held at the Lewis residence.
53. On information and belief, Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short
provided such a quantity of alcohol that they knew or should have known that the alcohol would
be shared with the underage attendees, including Keith Schemm and Libby Daniel.
54. Defendants Paula D. Lewis, Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short knew or should
have known that some attendees would operate motor vehicles after consuming alcohol at the
Lewis residence and failed to take action to prevent the underage drinkers, including Keith
Schemm and Libby Daniel, from departing the residence while intoxicated.
55. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of Defendants Paula
D. Lewis, Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short, Mr. Schemm and Libby Daniel were intoxicated
when they departed the Lewis residence and the fact that Keith Schemm drove a motor vehicle
56. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the careless, negligent, grossly
negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of these Defendants, Libby Daniel suffered terrible
injuries, including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and ultimately, death.
As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of these Defendants, Ms. Daniel’s
beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and suffering, wounded
feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium, deprivation of use and
comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral expenses, and other
damages, and are entitled to a judgment against the Defendants, jointly and severally, for actual
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compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by the trier of fact,
the costs associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this Court deems just
and proper.
57. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through fifty-seven (1-57) above are
58. Defendant Paula D. Lewis’ son and Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy
Short’s daughter had been dating for some time and dated each other to the prom.
59. On information and belief, Defendant Paula D. Lewis knew or should have known
that the alcohol provided by Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short was to be consumed
60. On information and belief, Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short knew
or should have known that the alcohol they provided was to be consumed by the underage attendees
61. On information and belief, Defendants Paula D. Lewis, Raymond B. Short and
Nandy Short had a tacit understanding and agreed, combined and conspired to provide alcohol and
a safe haven to consume the alcohol for the purpose of allowing and facilitating the underage
62. Keith Schemm and Libby Daniel consumed alcohol that was provided by
Defendants Raymond B. Short and Nandy Short, at the location provided by Defendant Paula D.
Lewis, and Keith Schemm drove a motor vehicle away from the Lewis residence while intoxicated,
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63. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the careless, negligent, grossly
negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of these Defendants in conspiring to provide alcohol
to the underage attendees and a safe haven to consume it, Libby Daniel suffered terrible injuries,
including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and ultimately, death.
64. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of these Defendants,
Ms. Daniel’s beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and
suffering, wounded feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium,
deprivation of use and comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral
expenses, and other damages, and are entitled to a judgment against the Defendants, jointly and
severally, for actual compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined
by the trier of fact, the costs associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this
65. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through sixty-five (1-65) above are
66. Defendants Paula D. Lewis, Raymond B. Short, and Nandy Short were negligent,
careless, grossly negligent, reckless, willful and wonton in one or more of the following ways:
b. in providing a safe haven for the underage persons to illegally consume alcohol
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e. in failing to ensure no person who was drinking was allowed to then operate a
motor vehicle;
f. in failing to use the degree of care and caution that a reasonably prudent person
g. in such other and further ways that shall be discovered in this litigation.
67. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the careless, negligent, grossly
negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of these Defendants, Libby Daniel suffered terrible
injuries, including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and ultimately, death.
68. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of these Defendants,
Ms. Daniel’s beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and
suffering, wounded feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium,
deprivation of use and comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral
expenses, and other damages, and are entitled to a judgment against the Defendants, jointly and
severally, for actual compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined
by the trier of fact, the costs associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this
69. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through sixty-nine (1-69) above are
70. On information and belief, Defendant Martha E. Jones knew or should have known
of her son’s, Keith Allen Schemm, Jr.’s, propensity and proclivity to engage in the dangerous
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71. Defendant Marth E. Jones knew that Keith Allen Schemm, Jr. had been consuming
alcohol on the day of the prom because she had to drive him to the gazebo and then to the residence
72. As a result of her knowledge, Defendant Martha E. Jones owed a duty to Ms. Daniel
and others to properly supervise her son, Keith Allen Schemm, Jr., and by failing to do so,
Defendant Martha E. Jones created an undue risk of harm to others, including Libby Daniel.
73. Since Defendant Martha E. Jones knew that her son had been drinking on the day
of the prom and knew of his proclivity to drink and drive, it was foreseeable that Ms. Daniel or
74. As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the careless, negligent, grossly
negligent, willful, wanton and reckless acts of this Defendant, Libby Daniel suffered terrible
injuries, including horrible physical pain and mental suffering, and ultimately, death.
75. As a direct and proximate result of the actions and inactions of this Defendant, Ms.
Daniel’s beneficiaries have suffered and will suffer pecuniary loss, mental shock and suffering,
wounded feelings, grief and sorrow, loss of companionship, love and consortium, deprivation of
use and comfort of Ms. Daniel’s society, both past and future, as well as funeral expenses, and
other damages, and are entitled to a judgment against this Defendant for actual compensatory
damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by the trier of fact, the costs
associated with bringing this action and for any additional relief this Court deems just and proper.
76. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through seventy-five (1-75) above are
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77. Libby Daniel died as a direst and proximate result of the Defendants’
aforementioned negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, carelessness, and willful and wanton
conduct.
78. Libby Daniel was 18 years old at the time of her death and she had a promising
future. Libby’s beneficiaries have experienced great mental anguish, suffering, bereavement, loss
of society, advice, companionship, comfort, guidance, services, care, protection and assistance.
They have incurred financial losses associated with the death of Libby Daniel.
79. Plaintiffs are informed and believe, pursuant to the South Carolina Wrongful Death
Act, that they are entitled to a judgement against the Defendants, jointly and severally, for an award
of actual compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by the trier
of fact, for the costs associated with bringing this action, and for any additional relief this Court
80. The allegations set forth in paragraphs one through seventy-nine (1-79) above are
gross negligence, recklessness, carelessness, and willful and wanton conduct, Libby Daniel
sustained great bodily injury and suffered shock, panic, terror, severe mental anguish, and terrible
82. Plaintiffs are informed and believe they are entitled to a judgement against
Defendants, jointly and severally, for an award of actual compensatory damages and punitive
damages in an amount to be determined by the trier of fact, for costs associated with brining this
action and for any additional relief this Court deems just and proper.
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JURY TRIAL DEMAND
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs demand judgment against the Defendants, jointly and severally, for:
2. Judgement in favor of the Plaintiffs, against the Defendants, jointly and severally,
3. Actual compensatory and punitive damages for the wrongful death of Libby
4. Actual compensatory and punitive damages for the injury to Libby Daniel,
including conscious pain and suffering and fear of impending death, in an amount to be
determined by a jury;
jury in an amount reasonably calculated to punish them for their conduct and to deter such
6. Judgement in favor of the Plaintiffs and against the Defendants as set forth herein;
8. For such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
Respectfully submitted,
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bert@louthianlaw.com
s/William N. Nettles
WILLIAM N. NETTLES
BILL NETTLES, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2008 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 814-2826
bill@billnettleslaw.com
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