Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Bus Hijacking Ordeal

Jazzmyn Byrd has initiated a lawsuit in Gwinnett County after her father, Ernest Byrd Jr., was killed during a bus hijacking. The suit targets Gwinnett County, the city of Atlanta, alleged hijacker Joseph Grier, and Transdev Services, Inc. It also names ten "John Does" described as passengers who allegedly offered no assistance. Byrd's father died following an incident that began on June 11, 2024. Authorities report that Grier, after an argument with Byrd Jr., took Byrd's gun and fatally shot him before commandeering the bus. The chase, lasting 45 minutes, ended in Stone Mountain when police intervened. The lawsuit contends Transdev Services failed to provide adequate training for the driver, who could reportedly communicate with dispatch but made no calls for help. The filing also notes Grier exhibited concerning behavior prior to boarding the bus and was potentially linked to an earlier shooting. Grier is currently in custody, facing charges including murder and kidnapping. News outlets like WXIA reported interviewing Grier prior to his arrest, during which he mentioned being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and being off his medication, experiencing a manic episode. Both Gwinnett County and the city of Atlanta declined to comment on the pending litigation.