Text messages exchanged between Shawne Merriman and a nightclub promoter on the day of Kimberly Fattorini’s death have been filed in court by the victim’s family, as Caucus Football reported.
Court Documents Reveal July 2017 Text Messages
The newly surfaced text conversation took place on July 21, 2017, according to court documents. That day, 30-year-old Kimberly Fattorini was found unconscious at a Los Angeles residence before being pronounced dead.
During the exchange, nightclub promoter Elias Wehbe allegedly described three women at his home, including Fattorini, in derogatory terms and stated he wanted them to leave. Court documents show he complained that the women refused to depart and asked Merriman to have another man message Fattorini.
DeAnn and Ferdinand Fattorini, the parents of the deceased Playboy employee, maintain that these messages indicate Wehbe helped coordinate their intoxicated daughter’s departure with Merriman.
Parents Pursue Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following $4 Million Judgment
The filing marks the latest development in a multi-year civil litigation. In 2019, the parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Merriman and others, claiming their daughter was drugged before suffering an overdose.
The coroner’s office previously ruled the death accidental after detecting alcohol, cocaine, and GHB in Fattorini’s system. The lawsuit alleged that Fattorini texted a promoter stating a friend of Merriman placed GHB in her drink.
A jury found Merriman, Wehbe, J.P. Castro, and Monica Maass civilly liable in 2025. A judge formalized a $4 million judgment against them last October, while nightlife establishments named in the complaint were exonerated.
Wehbe is currently seeking a reduction in the judgment amount. The parents oppose this motion, arguing that the text messages validate the jury’s findings.
Merriman Denies Wrongdoing as Proceedings Remain in Civil Court
The proceedings remain strictly within civil court. Shawne Merriman has never faced criminal charges in connection with the incident and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Representatives for the former NFL star acknowledged his presence at the gathering but denied that he drugged or assaulted Fattorini. A spokesperson said that he remains deeply affected by the tragedy but cannot comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Merriman earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 during his standout career as a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers.
