ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The owner of a now-defunct Buckhead nightclub has been ordered to pay more than $66 million in damages to the family of a 21-year-old student-athlete who was shot to death inside the club in 2024.

Djibril Dafe was the owner of the Elleven45 Lounge when Mariam “Mari” Creighton was one of two people shot to death on Mother’s Day 2024. The other victim was Nykris Ridley, 20. Four other people were injured in the incident.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the money. Clearly, I’d rather my sister be here. I wish this wasn’t my life,” said Tiffany Eason, Mari’s older sister.

21-year-old Mari Creighton was shot and killed at the Buckhead nightclub. (Telia Wheeler)

Police said all the victims were club patrons between 20 and 30 years old. They said t

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