Scrutinized Kew Gardens Hotel Named In Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Records

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — After a triple shooting left one man dead, a family member of the deceased is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against a troubled Kew Gardens hotel, court records show.

Robyn Williams filed a lawsuit Wednesday to the Queens Supreme Court against The Umbrella Hotel— which came under scrutiny in 2020 for reports of loud parties, hard drugs, and prostitutes — after the killing of his 20-year-old relative, the complaint shows.

Robert Williams was killed in front of The Umbrella Hotel shortly after New Year’s Day after midnight, while two other men were also shot on the same day.

The lawsuit contends the hotel failed to provide adequate security the day of Williams’ death.

Williams argues it was the hotel’s duty “to exercise reasonable care in ensuring the safety of all customers and/or patrons on the premises for the Event, including the Deceased.” He contends the hotel “breached said duty by failing to provide adequate security measures for the event.”

Robert Williams's death was deemed the first homicide of 2021, according to CBS News. He and some friends were reportedly staying at the hotel to celebrate when a trip to get food resulted in an argument with the suspect in the lobby.

Another shooting had taken place a few months before when a 15-year-old reputed gang member allegedly shot another teen after they both exited the lobby of the hotel. The victim, 17, was shot in the leg and required surgery.