New Orleans Mother Pursues Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Archdiocese After Son's Suicide
A suburban New Orleans woman, Sara Brannon, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the local Roman Catholic archdiocese following the tragic suicide of her 17-year-old son, Devon Shelton. The lawsuit alleges that Rummel High School in Metairie, Louisiana, was negligent in its treatment of Shelton, leading to his expulsion and subsequent death. Brannon seeks damages for mental anguish and physical suffering, claiming the school failed to adhere to its own policies on bullying and expulsion.
Details of the Incident and Lawsuit Allegations
According to the lawsuit, Devon Shelton was expelled from Rummel High School after reporting a shoving match with a campus bully during a St. Patrick's Day parade in March 2025. Shelton, a junior in the school's marching band, had not previously reported the bullying due to fears of retaliation, as he expressed to his former stepfather, Rick Ford. Despite Ford's encouragement to report the issue, school officials summoned Shelton, Brannon, and Ford to a meeting the next day.
At the meeting, the principal accused Shelton of attempting to start a fight by shoving another student against a locker, without first speaking to Shelton or a witness. Additionally, the principal mentioned for the first time that Shelton had attended band practice with alcohol on his breath days earlier, leading to the expulsion decision. The lawsuit notes that the school was aware of Shelton's prior suicidal ideation, having required him to complete six months of counseling in 2023.
School's Response and Aftermath
The Roman Catholic archdiocese, which oversees Rummel High School, declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing policy. However, a spokesperson stated, "We hold Devon's family and friends, particularly his parents, in prayer." The lawsuit argues that the school did not follow its student handbook regarding expulsion procedures and bullying protocols. It also claims that Rummel could have allowed Shelton to complete the school year virtually and failed to provide any assistance after his sudden expulsion.
After the expulsion, Brannon drove Shelton to Ford's house, where he later locked himself in a room and died by suicide using a weapon found in the bathroom. The lawsuit highlights the established link between bullying, depression, and suicide-related behaviors, as supported by peer-reviewed studies.
Legal Representation and Broader Context
Brannon is represented by civil attorney Richard Trahant, who has previously handled cases involving sexual abuse claims against the New Orleans archdiocese. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid the global Catholic church clergy molestation scandal and agreed to a $305 million settlement with abuse survivors in December. Shelton's obituary remembers him as a dedicated musician and volunteer, involved in activities like bowling and charitable events.
This case underscores critical issues in school safety and mental health support, prompting calls for better protocols to prevent similar tragedies. For support, individuals can contact crisis helplines such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US.
