MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – National civil rights attorney Ben Crump of Ben Crump Law and attorneys James P. Roberts, Scott H. Palmer, and Breanta Boss of Palmer Perlstein have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Weems on behalf of the mother of Charles Krumm Jr. The lawsuit, filed on March 11, 2025, alleges that Deputy Weems used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force in the killing of Charles Krumm Jr.
On September 12, 2024, Deputy Weems fatally shot Charles Krumm Jr. in the back as he ran from the deputy during an encounter at a local hotel. Contrary to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s initial statement that Charles had turned toward the deputy, eyewitness video evidence refutes that claim, showing that Charles never turned around and was in fact facing away from Weems when he was shot.
“At no time did Charles pose a threat to Deputy Weems or anyone else that would justify the use of deadly force,” said Attorney Ben Crump. “The video evidence is clear — Charles was running away and not a danger to anyone when he was shot in the back. His life was unjustly taken, and his family deserves accountability and justice.”
According to the complaint, Charles was not suspected of any violent crime or felony; however, he was in the process of being trespassed from the hotel where he was staying. When officers attempted to handcuff him, he fled on foot. As he ran, Charles picked up a closed case containing a gun, but at no point did he open the case or attempt to access the firearm inside. Despite this, Deputy Weems fired multiple rounds, striking Charles in the back and killing him. The lawsuit states that Weems did not issue any warning before using deadly force.
A witness recording the incident reacted in shock, exclaiming, “Oh my God, are you f-ing serious?”— further demonstrating the unjustified nature of the shooting.
The lawsuit seeks justice for Charles Krumm Jr. and his family by holding Deputy Weems accountable for violating Charles’ constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment. The legal claims include excessive deadly force, wrongful death, and survival action.
“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office must answer for this egregious violation of Charles’ rights,” said Attorney James P. Roberts. “This case goes beyond one family’s loss — it’s about ensuring that law enforcement officers are held to the highest standard when it comes to the use of force.”
The lawsuit (Case 4:25-cv-1149) was filed in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
About Palmer Perlstein
Based in Dallas, Texas, Palmer Perlstein maintains a nationwide practice dedicated to fighting injustice. Palmer Perlstein represents people who have had their Constitutional rights violated by law enforcement officials, people who have suffered damages in personal injury cases, and people who have been accused of crimes in state and federal court. For more information, visit www.palmerperlstein.com or call (214) 987-4100.
