Griffin's mother files civil lawsuit against Nestande

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The mother of Courtney Griffin is suing Gabrielle Nestande and one of the bars she visited the night before the fatal wreck that claimed the life of the Austin woman.

The suit against the 25-year-old Nestande and Clive Bar seeks damages of more than $1 million stemming from the wreck in the predawn hours of May 27, 2011. The suit filed by Laurie Griffin includes four counts against Nestande: negligence, gross negligence, negligence per se and negligent infliction of a bodily injury.

It also includes one count against Clive Bar, alleging that the nightspot provided alcohol to an intoxicated adult.

Nestande, a former aide to a state lawmaker, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide in Courtney Griffin's death.

Nestande was given a 10-year suspended sentence, but she must be supervised by probation authorities during that time.

The jury opted not to convict Nestande of intoxicated manslaughter and failing to stop and render aid.

Courtney's dad "stunned" by Nestande verdict

• Photos: Nestande's sentencing
• Timeline of the tragedy

In the 21 months since his daughter Courtney’s death, Bart Griffin has raised his voice -- urging changes in laws, stiffer charges and asking that justice be served.

However, the day a jury sentenced Gabrielle Nestande to 10 years probation for the hit-and-run wreck that killed Courtney, Bart Griffin was so stunned that he left the courtroom without making a statement.

Six days later, he broke his silence with a request for the jury.

“Come forward. Tell me what you were thinking,” said Griffin at his home on Feb. 28, the day that would have marked Courtney’s 32nd birthday.

• Timeline of the tragedy

Griffin has not been able to understand how the jury arrived at their decision to give Nestande probation and feels it was the only slip-up in the justice system process.