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Family Awarded $40M In TGI Friday's Legal Battle Remembers Slain Son

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A Riverside couple awarded $40 million after suing a TGI Friday's where their son was killed is now hoping to put the legal battle behind them.

Carmen and Rey Jordan got a visit early the morning of January 2009 from police, telling them their 33-year-old son had been stabbed to death at the TGI Friday's at the Tyler Galleria after a fight between him and two other men.

"In the morning, the doorbell rings. I don't believe it because my son had never been in a fight, nothing," Carmen remembered.

Security video shows the aftermath of the stabbing. Two men are seen fleeing the restaurant. Police arrive a short time later.

Both suspects, Louis Martinez and Michael Castillo, were arrested.

After their convictions, the Jordans filed a civil lawsuit against TGI Friday's and the franchise owner, The Briad Restaurant Group.

The heart of the family's argument was that their son's killer was served alcohol at the TGI Friday's before Orlando was stabbed to death. One of the suspects was not 21 at the time.

The Jordans argued that made TGI Friday's partially responsible for their son's death. The jury sided with them, handing the family a $40 million verdict.

"At least they can see through all the lies and the deception," Rey Jordan said.

TGI Friday's would not say whether they would appeal the verdict, only releasing this statement that reads in part: "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers continue for the Jordan family. At Friday's, we remain committed to serving all guests in a safe and responsible manner ... "

The Jordans say they hope the legal process is over soon so they can focus on their son's memory.

The two convicted killers were also named in the suit. Friday's and The Briad Restaurant Group were ordered to pay more than half of the $40 million judgment.

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