A heartbreaking incident at a Texas college campus has led to a lawsuit after a 23-year-old nursing student, Elizabeth “Tami” Odunsi, was allegedly stabbed 24 times by her roommate during a late-night phone call with her parents. The horrific attack happened just days before her graduation.
On the Phone When It Happened
Tami was on the phone with her parents as her roommate, 40-year-old Chester Grant, stabbed her. According to the lawsuit filed by Tami’s family, her final words were cries for help as Grant attacked her. The horrifying detail of her parents witnessing the attack over the phone has fueled their claim that the on-campus housing provider failed to protect their daughter.
Roommate Had a History
The lawsuit states that the roommate had a troubling past. Grant allegedly had previous convictions for domestic violence. Despite this, he was allowed to live with Tami after moving in just two months earlier through a student housing company. The family’s attorneys, Jonathan Cox and Troy Pradia, say this was negligent given Grant’s record.
Warning Signs Ignored
Just days before the fatal attack, Tami reportedly warned the housing company and campus officials about Grant’s behavior. Prosecutors say he had poured an unknown substance on her face and assaulted her over a dispute involving their cats—events that went unaddressed.
Lawsuit Seeks Justice
The Odunsi family has filed a lawsuit asking for over $65 million in damages. They argue the housing company and its background-check provider failed to screen Grant properly and did nothing when early signs of danger appeared. “We didn’t just lose Tami; she was stolen from us,” said her mother, Adenike Odunsi.
A Bright Life Cut Short
Tami, known as “Tami Dollars” online, was days away from graduating with a nursing degree. She moved from the UK to Texas to pursue her dream. Only days before her death, she shared her excitement about completing school and summer plans on TikTok. Losing her so close to graduation has left the community in shock.
Legal and Community Response
Grant has been charged with murder and is held in Harris County Jail. His next court date is set for early May. Meanwhile, federal and state authorities are reviewing how off-campus housing companies screen renters and handle complaints. Many believe these policies must improve to prevent future tragedies.
What Comes Next
Families and lawyers hope the lawsuit will bring accountability and change. They want stricter screening, faster responses to threats, and better safety in student housing. Though nothing can bring Tami back, her parents are fighting to make sure her death saves others from similar harm.
