Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. has filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of Linda Buttrick following the February 14, 2026 shooting death of her longtime partner, Robert Fuller, Jr., inside of their shared apartment at assisted living residence, Cogir of Potomac. As alleged in the Complaint, the facility’s failure to protect residents from a foreseeable and preventable act of violence resulted in Mr. Fuller’s death and left Ms. Buttrick traumatized after finding her partner deceased the following morning.
This case was filed to seek accountability for a violent crime that never should have happened.
What Happened on February 14, 2026
According to allegations in the Complaint, a Cogir medication technician, Mauquise James shot and killed Robert Fuller, Jr. inside the apartment he shared with Ms. Buttrick. The Complaint states that Ms. Buttrick, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, was present during the shooting but does not recall hearing a gunshot. Ms. Buttrick awoke the following morning to find her longtime partner deceased in their own home. The Complaint further alleges that the same medication technician over medicated Ms. Buttrick before allegedly shooting Mr. Fuller.
As alleged in the Complaint, multiple staff reports questioned James’s behavior and stability well before this alleged incident took place. Instead of addressing the concerns with James, the facility allegedly chose to terminate the nurse who reported him just 11 days before the alleged shooting occurred.
The lawsuit alleges that this tragedy was not an isolated or unforeseeable event, but rather the result of systemic failures and ignored warnings. The complaint further alleges that this decision was influenced by internal conflicts of interest, including the fact that a senior level Cogir employee who holds a high position of authority at this facility is James’s own mother.
Alleged Institutional Failures That Enabled Violence
As is alleged in the Complaint, the facility’s leadership displayed “outrageous and insidious derelictions,” including:
- Failure to act on repeated warnings about dangerous employee behavior.
- Retaliation against staff who reported safety concerns.
- Allowing a potentially dangerous employee to remain in direct contact with innocent victims.
- Maintaining inadequate safety and security protocols that contributed to a preventable tragedy.
The Complaint alleges that even after the shooting, Maurquise James, identified by multiple individuals as a suspect or person of interest, was allowed to continue working at the facility. He was reportedly sent alone into Ms. Buttrick’s apartment, which was still a crime scene, to administer her medication despite her expressed fears and vulnerability.
About Cogir of Potomac
As is alleged in the Complaint, Cogir of Potomac is part of a larger network of senior living communities operated under the Cogir Senior Living brand, which manages facilities across the United States. These communities are marketed as providing safe, supportive environments for seniors, including those who require assistance with daily living and medical care.
The lawsuit further alleged that residents and their families rely on facilities like Cogir of Potomac to provide not only housing, but also consistent supervision, competent staff, and a secure environment. The allegations raised in this lawsuit call into question whether those expectations were met and whether the facility upheld its obligations to protect its residents.
Why Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. Is Taking Action
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we represent victims of violent crimes whose suffering is compounded by institutional negligence. When organizations like Cogir fail to act on known dangers, they truly endanger lives. We believe these facilities must be held to the highest standards of care. Families entrust these institutions with the safety of their loved ones, but when that trust is broken, and when preventable harm occurs, civil accountability becomes essential.
Meet the Attorneys Leading This Case
This case is being led by Michael J. Belsky and Catherine A. Dickinson of Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., who are committed to advocating for victims of negligence and institutional misconduct.
Michael J. Belsky has extensive experience handling complex civil litigation matters, including cases involving serious personal injury and wrongful death. He is known for his thorough investigative approach and dedication to holding organizations accountable when their actions, or inactions, cause harm.
Catherine A. Dickinson focuses her practice on representing individuals and families impacted by negligence and abuse. She is a strong advocate for vulnerable populations and has built her career on pursuing justice for those who have been wronged by institutions entrusted with their care.
Together, they bring a client-centered, results-driven approach to cases involving crime victim work.
A Call to Other Victims & Witnesses
As part of our investigation, we are actively seeking information from:
- Current or former residents of Cogir of Potomac
- Family members of residents
- Former employees or whistleblowers
- Anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse, neglect, unsafe conditions, or retaliation at the facility
Contact Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A.
If you have information relevant to this matter we encourage you to contact our office. These cases are far too common and our team strives to hold these institutions accountable for their actions or lack thereof. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our attorneys can pursue civil justice for victims of violent crimes by holding institutions responsible when preventable harm occurs.
To get started, reach out to our firm today by calling (410) 685-2022 or by completing a contact form on our website.
