PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The family of a man who was shot and killed on Lincoln University’s campus last fall has filed a lawsuit against the school.
It was around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2025, when gunfire erupted outside the International Cultural Center, where tents and tables were set up for tailgating and socializing after a football game earlier in the day.
Six people were injured, and 20-year-old Ju'Juan Jeffers died. Now, Jeffers’ estate has filed a lawsuit in Common Pleas Court against Lincoln University.
Michael van der Veen, the family’s lawyer, said the school and its campus police failed to secure the university.
“On the night Mr. Jeffers was shot, the exact danger that had been warned about occurred. The gridlock prevented emergency responders from accessing campus, and emergency medical aid could not get to him.”
The estate, managed by Jeffers’ mom, is seeking damages for wrongful death, negligence, and insufficient security.
They named the university, campus police, and an unnamed security company as defendants.
Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, 21, who was arrested for carrying an unlicensed, loaded gun on campus that night, is also named a defendant.
The lawsuit claims the school ignored warnings from Lower Oxford Township officials, and van der Veen said university leadership refused their help.
“Lincoln University's stubbornness caused the death of Ju'Juan Jeffers. He was an honor student, a chess player, and a dedicated athlete. Loved basketball and played through his school years. He had a beautiful life ahead of him,” van der Veen said.
Lincoln University said it does not comment on active litigation.