CHICAGO (July 29, 2025) – The family of one of the victims of the October 2024 shooting at Chicago’s Navy Pier has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court. The victim’s employer and Navy Pier are named as respondents in discovery in the case.
Peter Jennings, 47, worked as a purchasing manager for Levy Restaurants, which has administrative offices at Navy Pier in Chicago.
Defendant Raylon East was employed by Levy from August 2022 until October 2024. Prior to his employment, East had been convicted of a felony and was sentenced to 8 years in prison. During his employment, East was cited multiple times for aggressive verbal and physical behavior. He was terminated in October of 2024.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, East wore a cook’s uniform and entered Levy’s administrative offices through the back door near the loading docks. Once inside, East searched for an employee by the name of Lamont Johnson. While searching for Johnson, East encountered Peter Jennings and shot him while he was sitting in his office. Tragically, Mr. Jennings died from injuries sustained in the shooting.
Mr. Jennings is survived by his wife, Katie Fountain.
On July 25, 2025, Mr. Jennings’s family filed a civil lawsuit against Raylon East.
Compass Group USA, which owns Levy Restaurants, and Navy Pier are listed as respondents in discovery in the case, meaning they possess information essential to the Plaintiff’s investigation and case.
“When a life is taken so violently and so publicly, our legal system must respond accordingly. While nothing will fill the void in the hearts of Peter’s loved ones, the filing of this lawsuit is a step toward justice for the family and will expose any failures that allowed this tragedy to occur,” Plaintiff’s attorney Patrick A. Salvi II said.
The Plaintiff is also represented by Michael J. Schostok of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
For more information, please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com.
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Case No.: 2025 L 009415 [ESTATE OF PETER JENNINGS, deceased, by Mary Katherine Fountain, independent Administrator; Plaintiff, v. RAYLON EAST, Defendant.]
