On August 22, 2022, 19-year-old Jordan Markie tragically died by suicide inside the Scheels Sporting Goods store at Eden Prairie Center, Minnesota. Since then, Jordan’s mother, Sara Van Bogart, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Scheels All Sports Inc. and employee William Balentine, accusing them of negligence and failing to follow industry-standard security protocols.
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Details of the Incident and Lawsuit
According to court documents, Markie entered the store and requested to see a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun. William Balentine, a certified firearm trainer employed by Scheels, handed over the firearm without verifying Markie’s age or identity. This is a critical breach, as Minnesota law requires buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
The gun was provided without a trigger lock or any disabling device, and it came with a loaded magazine and ammunition. Moments later, Markie loaded the handgun and took his own life inside the store.
The lawsuit claims Scheels acted negligently and ignored accepted industry practices. Other major retailers, including Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, enforce strict gun sale protocols—such as refusing to sell firearms to anyone under 21—especially following high-profile shooting incidents. Scheels, however, reportedly failed to adopt these safety measures.
Negligence Allegations and Employee Response
The suit also alleges that Markie’s behavior in the store—nervousness and attempts to access locked gun cabinets—should have raised concerns among employees. The failure to question his age or intentions, combined with immediate access to a loaded, operable handgun, created a dangerous situation that tragically ended with Markie’s death.
Attorney for the Van Bogart family emphasizes that basic security measures—like trigger locks and strict age verification—are essential to prevent such tragedies. The family argues that had Scheels implemented these precautions, Jordan’s death could have been avoided.
Current Status and Broader Implications
Scheels has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. A motion to dismiss the case was recently heard in Hennepin County District Court. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for firearm sales practices and retailer responsibilities nationwide.
Remembering Jordan Markie
Jordan is remembered by family and friends as a kind, artistic young man passionate about music and medieval history. His untimely death highlights the critical need for responsible gun safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available.
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.