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A tragic encounter has forever changed the life of Jody Hendrick, a Liberty, Missouri car salesman, who is now seeking justice and accountability after surviving a brutal shooting by a former customer.
The shocking incident not only took a severe toll on his health but also exposed legal gaps in gun sales oversight, triggering a broader conversation on firearms industry accountability.
The Shooting Incident That Shattered a Life
In a terrifying moment at an Independence car lot, Jody Hendrick was shot multiple times by a customer he had previously sold a car to. The shooting left him with life-threatening injuries:
- A bullet to the chest
- A shattered femur
- A final gunshot to the forehead causing a brain bleed
Despite the severity of the assault, Hendrick miraculously survived after undergoing several life-saving surgeries. The physical aftermath, however, left him permanently disabled and unable to work.
Shooter’s Origin and Immediate Consequence
The shooter, who ultimately died in a gunfight with deputies, had stolen the firearm used in the assault from Academy Sports and Outdoors, a retail store in Liberty.
A surveillance video captured the shooter:
- Speaking to a store clerk
- Being handed a firearm for inspection
- Getting denied upon a background check
- Pulling a knife, leaping over the counter, and stealing the gun and ammunition
The Lawsuit and Legal Hurdles
In pursuit of justice, Hendrick filed a lawsuit against Academy Sports, alleging negligence for allowing the suspect access to a firearm before the background check was complete and for not securing the gun with a trigger lock.
Despite strong arguments, his lawsuit was:
- Dismissed by the lower court
- Upheld in favor of Academy Sports
- Declined for hearing by the Missouri Supreme Court
The Legal Barrier: PLCAA
A significant obstacle Hendrick faced was the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a federal law passed in 2005.
Key PLCAA Provisions:
- Grants immunity to firearm manufacturers and sellers from being held liable for crimes committed using their products.
- Was enacted to prevent lawsuits that could bankrupt the gun industry.
Legal experts, including Georgia State University professor Timothy Lytton, explain the broad immunity PLCAA offers. Unless a seller violates state or federal gun laws, lawsuits like Hendrick’s have slim chances of succeeding.
Attorney Kevin Jamison notes that since the firearm was stolen, it breaks the chain of liability, further weakening Hendrick’s legal position.
Hendrick’s Message: A Call for Reform
Although legally defeated, Hendrick remains vocal about the need for policy reform and better gun storage practices in retail settings. His key points include:
- No firearms should be handed to individuals until a background check is cleared
- Guns and ammunition should be secured separately
- Trigger locks should be mandatory
As a gun owner himself, Hendrick emphasizes responsibility and awareness in firearm handling.
Overview of Key Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Incident | Hendrick shot multiple times by former customer |
| Location of Gun Theft | Academy Sports & Outdoors, Liberty, MO |
| Shooter’s Fate | Killed by deputies in a gunfight |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit filed by Hendrick, dismissed at multiple levels |
| Legal Barrier | PLCAA – federal immunity law for gun sellers |
| Hendrick’s Current Condition | Permanently disabled, unable to work |
Jody Hendrick’s experience sheds light on the devastating consequences of negligence in gun sales and the legal protections afforded to firearm retailers.
While he may not receive compensation or justice in the courtroom, his story continues to push for crucial industry reforms and a more accountable gun sales system.
In his words, it’s no longer just about justice—it’s about preventing the next tragedy.