A federal jury in Maryland found Walmart negligent for selling a shotgun to a 23-year-old store employee. The employee subsequently used the weapon to take his own life.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, January 22, 2026. It followed a 10-day civil trial.
The victim's family argued that store managers knew of the employee's suicidal state. They contended the sale should have been prevented.
The jury awarded the family millions in damages. This included approximately $2.5 million in economic damages. The award also featured $8 million in noneconomic damages for loss and mental anguish. The noneconomic damages may be subject to a state cap.
Walmart maintained that its managers were unaware of the employee's intentions. The company asserted the sale was legal because the employee cleared a federal background check.