The family of the man who was stabbed and beheaded on a Greyhound bus is suing the bus line and the federal government for failing to ensure passenger safety.
Lawyer Jay Prober tells CTV News the family of Tim McLean is suing Greyhound and the Attorney General of Canada under the Fatal Accidents Act.
The lawsuit is on behalf of 13 family members, and says Greyhound and the federal government failed to put in place proper safety measures.
The lawsuit is for $150,000, and details five violent incidents that happened before the murder, and one incident that took place afterward.
"This lawsuit is not about money," Prober said at an afternoon news conference. "It is about accountability -- about responsibility for what happened to [Tim McLean]."
McLean, 22, was the victim of a brutal murder the night of July 30 while riding a Greyhound bus from Edmonton to Winnipeg.
McLean was stabbed and beheaded by another passenger on the bus near Portage la Prairie.
The family now wants to see the same security measures at bus depots that are already in place in airports.
"Hopefully what will come of it is that Greyhound will be held accountable, that they will put proper security measures in place, and the Government of Canada will see that the proper security measures are in place and enforced, just like they do at the airports," Prober said.
"It's people who often can't afford to take a plane, who can't afford to take the train, who can't afford to buy a car and pay for the gas, that take a bus," he added. "Why should they be discriminated against?"
Abby Wambaugh, spokesperson for Greyhound and Greyhound Canada, issued this statement Tuesday afternoon:
We believe it was a very unfortunate and tragic occurrence. I cannot address any type of pending litigation.
The lawsuit also target the RCMP. Prober said the Mounties have not provided the family with answers as to why things happened the way they did.
"The reason the RCMP are names is primarily to get answers as to how this incident was allowed to carry on for so long, which resulted in this young man being mutilated, decapitated, and allegations that acts of cannibalism were performed."
The lawsuit also names Vincent Weiguang-Li, 40, who is charged in the murder.
Li is currently undergoing a court-ordered mental health assessment to determine if he's fit to stand trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 8th.
"This way Tim's death may not be a total waste," Prober said.
None of the allegations has been proven in court and a statement of defence hasn't yet been filed.
With a report from CTV's Rachel Lagac�.
