A Ray of Hope Amidst Grief: 9-year-old Lailonni Willis Receives $4 Million Settlement After Father's Tragic Death

Lailonni’s wrongful-death lawsuit against Venditti and sanitation company IESI was delayed for years by the COVID-19 pandemic and other postponements.

It was almost a decade ago that an unimaginable tragedy unfolded in Flatbush. Marquis Willis, a 22-year-old construction worker, and loving father, was fatally injured in a horrifying accident. The incident was captured on security cameras, showing a speeding BMW plowing into a garbage truck on the dark, quiet street.

Willis was merely a passenger, and his life cut short by the reckless actions of an intoxicated friend. Lailonni Daisy Willis, his daughter, was just nine months old at the time. Today, she is a nine-year-old who has grown up without the loving presence of her father.

Lailonni Daisy Willis’ father, Marquis Willis was 22 when he was killed in the car wreck.

The journey to justice for Lailonni has been long and hard-fought. The wrongful-death lawsuit, launched against sanitation company IESI and its driver, was hampered by countless delays, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 19-day trial in the Brooklyn Supreme Court witnessed the testimony of famed pathologist Michael Baden for the defense. But despite the opposition, Lailonni's lawyer, Peter DeFilippis, powerfully demonstrated that Willis had remained conscious and in pain for several minutes after the crash.

Willis died when the BMW he was riding in slammed into a garbage truck. The driver, his pal, was intoxicated at the time.Seth Gottfried

In a poignant moment, young Lailonni took the stand, sharing the heartache of growing up without a father. Her words served as a powerful testament to the immeasurable loss she and her mother, Maadia Bunch, had endured.

As the trial drew to a close, the sanitation company offered a $4 million settlement for damages, including the "loss of parental guidance." Another $50,000 was paid by Garfield Gwood, the driver of the BMW, who served a seven-year sentence for aggravated manslaughter.

While no sum of money can truly compensate for the tragic loss, Bunch shared her hope for Lailonni's future. She plans to use the funds to provide Lailonni with a solid education, enrich her life with activities like gymnastics and guitar lessons, and ensure her well-being.

This hard-won settlement brings a measure of closure for the Willis family. As they continue to navigate the aftermath of their loss, we hope this resolution brings them some peace.