Could the owners of Buford Heights be liable when a shot fired on their property killed a visiting doctor who was staying at another apartment complex?<\/span><\/p>\n

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A British doctor visiting the United States was <\/span>killed in his sleep<\/span><\/a> when a bullet penetrated the apartment he was staying in after being fired from\u00a0 neighboring apartment complex Buford Heights.\u00a0 Police were called to the scene while Kate Shepard, the victim\u2019s girlfriend, was <\/span>attempting to <\/span><\/a>render aid. Dr. Mathew Willson was <\/span>rushed to the hospital<\/span><\/a> where he died of a gunshot wound to the head.\u00a0 Police believe the bullet was discharged recklessly, and the <\/span>victim\u2019s sister<\/span><\/a> stated \u201cthey were just shooting a gun for fun.\u00a0 And they don\u2019t know they\u2019ve taken such a beautiful person from us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Georgia Negligent Security Law<\/span><\/h2>\n
When property owners ignore previous incidents of crime on their premises and fail to take the security precautions needed to protect residents and guests from foreseeable threats, they could be held liable for damages in the wake of violent crime. If crime is a foreseeable issue on the property, these landlords and property managers are required by Georgia law to take reasonable security measures. Visible security cameras, onsite security, perimeter fencing with access-controlled gates, and even a security station at the entrance gate are all reasonable measures that property owners might be required to take to curtail crime on their premises. Property owners can be held accountable even when crime spills out onto adjacent properties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
A History of Crime at Buford Heights\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
11Alive reports that on Friday November 22, 2021, <\/span>Cesar Gobinez-Naba<\/span><\/a> was killed at Buford Heights by three teenagers who were charged with armed robbery as well as felony murder.<\/span><\/p>\n
Online reviews<\/span><\/a> are scant, but warn prospective residents of lackluster management and problems at the property.\u00a0 One resident cautions that the complex is \u201cthe worst place to live in.\u201d Another complains that \u201cMaintenance is terrible, I have [had] more than a week with air conditioning that does not work.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
When apartment managers ignore resident concerns over maintenance issues, insect infestations, and other matters of upkeep, it could signify that they are also lax in their duty to keep their communities safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice<\/h3>\n
Law enforcement may be able to catch the perpetrators and charge them in a criminal court of law, but there is little that police can do when apartment complexes become safe havens for criminal activity.\u00a0 The families of the victims can bring an action against a landlord or management company in civil court, where they might secure a monetary judgement.\u00a0 A judgement cannot bring their loved ones back, but it can help with funeral expenses, the loss of wages, and even provide funds to relocate to a safer area.\u00a0 Perhaps more importantly, such a blow against the landlord could convince them, and others by example, that it is cheaper to maintain safer communities than to skimp on security measures..\u00a0 By holding landlords accountable, together, we can Make Atlanta Safe<\/a>, one community at a time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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