Dallas, TX
Dallas apartment evicts tenant, throws belongings in dumpster. But it was the wrong unit.
DALLAS – A Deep Ellum man says everything he and his daughter own was thrown in a dumpster after the management of his apartment building said they accidentally ordered maintenance to clean out his rental.
Turns out apartment management had the wrong unit number, and now that man says he’s out tens of thousands of dollars. But the building management argues he never should have been living there to begin with.
After Johnny Abney spent years building a life for himself and his 9-year-old daughter, everything they own is gone.
“Clothing items. All of my groceries. They cleared out my refrigerator full of groceries,” he said. “Right down to the shower curtain.”
The items weren’t stolen. They were thrown in the dumpster by order of the management at The Hamilton, the high-end midrise apartment building where Abney lived in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas.
“They came to my door and cleaned everything out from my clothes to my daughter’s clothes, toothbrush, bathing items, pretty much left me with nothing,” he said.
It’s all in a police report Abney filed when he returned home from work in late July to find his apartment door unlocked and the contents cleared out.
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According to the report’s narrative, a leasing agent on site said “there was a misunderstanding, and maintenance accidentally cleared out Abney’s unit” instead of the unit next door where a tenant was being evicted.
All of Abney’s belongings had been thrown in the dumpster hours earlier and had been picked over by other residents.
“Not only did they put my stuff out. They watched people take my property all day,” he said.
Property management offered to get what they could from the trash and return it to Abney’s unit. He says they even had that stained mattress professionally cleaned, but most of his and his daughter’s stuff was gone for good.
Much of what did make it back from the dumpster was damaged.
“They told me it was a mistake. They apologized,” Abney said. “They were overly apologetic. ‘Let us know if anything’s missing.’”
But that quickly took a turn.
Abney recorded a conversation he had with one of the leasing agents who was quick to point out that the apartment in which he and his daughter lived was leased by his ex-girlfriend who had since moved out of state.
Abney was subletting without permission. And even though receipts provided to FOX 4 by an attorney for The Hamilton show Abney paid the nearly $3,000 in rent each month, any direct discussion about making him whole was off the table.
“We are binded like by law. We cannot discuss anything with you or anybody who is not her lease,” the apartment manager said.
According to this lawsuit Abney has now filed against the property management company, they gave him 24 hours to fill out his own rental application or face eviction.
“I’ve already lost property,” he said. “Now you trying to kick me off the property with no resolve?”
The eviction notice was posted on his door 24 hours later.
Jason Freidman is Abney’s attorney. He says the issue of who was on the lease is irrelevant.
“The rent was paid in full. There was no reason to go into his apartment. There was no reason to throw anything away,” he said. “The apartment building didn’t know when they threw all of that stuff away who’s stuff it was, whether it was the person on the lease or his.”
Freidman adds Abney chose not to fill out the application or pay the fee required for one very simple reason.
“He chose not to because he wanted to resolve the situation with the property that you threw away before I decide if I’m going to stay in this building,” Freidman said.
An attorney for The Hamilton would not speak on camera but did communicate by phone and email. He said even if Abney did fill out the rental application, he would have been denied because he already violated the lease terms as an unauthorized occupant.
“With me losing all my property, that’s the last thing on my mind,” Abney said.
According to the lawsuit, The Hamilton also alleged there was counterfeit money pulled from Abney’s things. That was another reason they said he would not have been welcome to stay.
FOX 4 asked The Hamilton to provide a police report, photos or video or any evidence at all. They provided none.
Back at Abney’s, among the discarded pile of trashed school supplies with which his daughter was supposed to start the fifth grade, we found our own. The play money clearly marked as “copy” right next to what’s left of her bed.
FOX 4 sent a list of questions to The Hamilton via their attorney, which went unanswered. They would not sit down with us for an interview. They did say they asked Abney for a list of what was missing from his fridge to establish a value for reimbursement.
Abney says that never happened. He did move out days after we met with him. He and his daughter are temporarily staying with family.
As the year 2024 comes to a close, Dallas is ready with all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve: from classical music to cover bands, from rooftop parties to masquerade balls. Here are the nine most interesting choices to help get 2025 off to a great start.
Gaylord Texan presents Glass Cactus New Year’s Eve Bash
Gaylord Texan in Grapevine will ring in the New Year at their nightclub, Glass Cactus, with performances by cover bands Infinite Journey and Nerd Halen. General admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight, while VIP admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and early entrance to club that includes a private 15-20 minute acoustic set from Infinite Journey.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Eve
Before the ball drops, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off New Year’s celebrations with an evening of music, conducted by Moritz Gnann. Among the selections will be four compositions from Johann Strauss II, Bernstein’s Divertimento Waltz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and more. The concert takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Waterproof presents Countdown in the Sky
Waterproof, the rooftop lounge at The Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, will present Countdown in the Sky, a night of music and spectacular views. The Couples package includes two VIP entry tickets with front-of-the-line access, one Champagne bottle, one high-top table and New Year’s Eve party favors. Additional packages are available for groups of 6 to 12 people.
Texas Live presents NYE Live!
At NYE Live! at Texas Live in Arlington, guests can welcome the New Year in style with entertainment, food and drink options, and a vibrant atmosphere. There will be live music, entertainment, decor, champagne toasts, and celebrations all night long.
Pegasus City Brewery presents NYE Bash
Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas will present a Monte Carlo/Casablanca/Gatsby style New Year’s Eve Bash for their fourth annual celebration. The evening will feature casino-style games, a performance by the David Washburn Jazz Band, an old-school photo booth, a Mexican food dinner, and a choice of 18 taps with beer, cider, and seltzer, plus wine and champagne, zero-proof options, and sodas. It all ends with a toast at midnight.
Meow Wolf Grapevine presents New Year’s Eve Adultiverse
On New Year’s Eve, reality takes a backseat as Meow Wolf Grapevine presents a special edition of Adulti-Verse. Guests 21 and over can enjoy Meow Wolf’s unique experience in style as the interdimensional soirée features a full-service bar and a performance by Night Shade Burlesque, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Food & beverage will be available for purchase at the cafe.
Catbird presents NYE Met Gala
Catbird, the restaurant and bar at Thompson Dallas, will present a Met Gala-themed New Year’s Eve party, an opportunity for guests to wear over-the-top outfits. The event will transform the lounge into a prestigious and glamorous fashion event, complete with a red carpet, paparazzi, champagne, and special guest DJ Christopher Reid.
The Statler presents Royal Masquerade Ball
While the Statler’s rooftop bar will be hopping, their Grand Ballroom will transform into a Royal Masquerade Ball, complete with extravagant decorations, an open bar, casino games, and party favors. The festivities begin with DJs spinning Top 40 and hip-hop mashups. General admission tickets include access to an open bar and an evening of celebration. Before the ball, guests can dine in The Statler’s private dining space, a three-course dinner featuring premium wine and beer and a chef-curated menu.
Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower will once again ring in the new year by presenting the annual Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show. The show will feature a display of over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, a 259 LED light display, and nearly 300 drones. There is no viewing allowed near the tower; viewing can be done at nearby parties or city streets. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS will broadcast the event, and The Spot (98.7 FM), will simulcast the celebration.
Are you looking for a spot to sip on no-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks in Dallas-Fort Worth? Options aren’t as slim as they once were for Dry January (or a dry or drier lifestyle) as more restaurants and bars add mocktails and other balanced, refreshing concoctions without the booze.
Beyond the Bar in Richardson
This was D-FW’s first no-alcohol bottle shop. Find unique zero-proof beverages of all sorts when you stop in.
101 S. Sherman St. B, Richardson. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Community Beer Co. in Dallas
The Dallas brewery can pour NA beers. The sprawling venue, which changed locales in recent years, also has a robust food menu. Grab a table outside when it’s sunny.
3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Doughbird near University Park
There’s a zero-proof section at the recently opened restaurant in Inwood Village, near the intersection of Inwood Road and Lovers Lane. Find a cheery blackberry rickey, made with mint, blackberry jam, fresh lime, and fizzy water, or southern peach tea, comprised of clover honey, peach and sparkling yuzu sour.
5560 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas.
HG Sply Co.
Consult the “non-spirited” section of HG’s menu when stopping in. Mocktails with a healthful twist – think twists like beets or turmeric – are a point of emphasis at nutrition-conscious restaurant.
Multiple locations.
Ida Claire in Addison
Find six mocktails during Dry January at Ida Claire. Those include the Like a Virgin, with pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, agave and soda, and Dazed & Confused, which includes Pamos THC spirit, pineapple, lemon, blueberry simple syrup and yuzu lime soda. The beverages are available all day through Jan. 31.
5001 Beltline Rd., Dallas.
Ladylove Lounge & Sound in Bishop Arts
Skip to the elixirs section of the cool lounge’s menu for a some surprising, well-balanced non-alcoholic flavor pairings. The elixirs are also included in Monday-Friday happy hour specials, which isn’t the most typical move.
Open daily. 310 W. Seventh St., Dallas.
Uchi in Dallas
Along with Uchiba and Loro in Dallas and Uchiko in Plano, Uchi has a menu filled with both low ABV and no-ABV beverages. Loro, a Japanese and barbecue fusion restaurant, has zero-proof options that include the spicy cucumber with lime, yuzu and ghost agave.
Multiple locations.
NORTH TEXAS – Fresh from garnering the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings now have a new leader.
Chris Koclanes, known as a defensive and player development master, has been named the Wings’ next head coach.
Currently an assistant coach at the University of Southern California, Koclanes is replacing Latricia Trammell, who was dismissed in October after compiling a 31-49 record over two seasons. The Wings finished 9-31 last season.
Curt Miller, the Wings’ executive vice president and general manager, applauded Koclanes for his leadership, communication and basketball IQ.
“Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars,” Miller said in a news release. “He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches.
“Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.
“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court.”
Miller touted the “many incredible things” on the Wings’ horizon, including a new arena, state-of-the-art practice facility and its selection of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“… We are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball,” Miller said.
Koclanes has previous WNBA experience with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.
“I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office, and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community,” Koclanes said in the release. “I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”
He kicked off his career in basketball operations and video coordination at William & Mary and St. Joseph’s.
A formal news conference announcing Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Reunion Tower in Dallas.
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