On April 17, 2025, Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father from Greenville, South Carolina, tragically lost his life during a shooting at Florida State University’s campus. Attorney Jim Bannister and the legal team representing Chabba’s family spoke at a press conference outside the FSU student union, calling for transparency and a thorough investigation into the incident’s circumstances.
Bannister emphasized the family’s need for clarity, stating, “Every day that they don’t have basic answers to what happened is difficult for them. It’s hard to process the grief appropriately without a real understanding.” He further urged law enforcement to approach the investigation with a sense of urgency, so the family can begin to find closure.
While mourning their loss, the Chabba family seeks answers to understand what transpired on that fateful day. Their attorneys are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
The Chabba family has chosen to retain Bannister, Wyatt, and Stalvey for their legal team, indicating the importance of their pursuit of answers and justice. Bannister, a criminal defense attorney, has over 25 years of experience handling complex cases in state and federal courts, including those involving violent crimes, civil rights issues, and government investigations.
He is one of only a few attorneys in South Carolina to be named a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Defense Lawyers and holds a rare Criminal Trial Advocacy Certification. His deep knowledge of criminal law and procedure, paired with his reputation for trial excellence, makes him particularly suited for a case that demands clarity, legal precision, and an unflinching commitment to transparency.
When public institutions may be involved and critical questions remain unanswered, families need an advocate who commands credibility inside and outside the courtroom. Bannister’s track record of success, his roles on statewide criminal justice commissions, and his standing among the legal elite made him a natural choice for the Chabba family as they seek truth, accountability, and justice in the wake of an unthinkable loss.
Watch the news coverage of the press conference HERE.