Reference no: EM133092043

John and Pearl Padilla, husband, and wife, checked into a motel on a Sunday afternoon. Two days later, as they came back from dining out, they were attacked by a man who had gained entrance to their room. Both guests were beaten up, after which the assailant took the couple's jewelry and cash. It was found later that Mr. Padilla had left his room key in the bar they visited before returning to the motel. The key was attached to a heavy brass base together with a plastic label with the motel's name and room number. The bartender at the counter had said: "I briefly saw the key laying on their table, but I thought they were dancing and would come back to pick it up." John had asked the clerk on duty at the front desk for a second key, saying: "I cannot find my key. I must have left it in my room before leaving this evening." The Padilla's filed a lawsuit against the motel the following day.

Was the hotel found guilty by the jury at the trail? Explain why, in your opinion, the hotel was found guilty (or not guilty).