Georgia Legal Report
(News 12)
Apartment Security Failure? Our Legal Take: Fatal Shooting Outside Georgian Place Apartments
Local News
Gunfire outside the Georgian Place apartment complex reportedly claimed the life of 22-year-old Deshaun Johnson and left 33-year-old Kevin Leslie injured Tuesday night, March 15, 2016.
According to News 12, police responded to shots fired “on the 1700 block of Valley Park Court West in the Georgian Place apartment complex,” at 7:29pm. Mr. Johnson, of Hephzibah, was discovered with fatal injuries at the scene.
Police learned Mr. Leslie, of Augusta, “had also been shot and fled the scene to Heritage Square Apartments, where he was then transported to Augusta University Medical Center for treatment.”
Initial media reports indicate police “received calls about gunshots on [Valley Park West] as well as the Heritage Place apartment complex….The two scenes are less than one mile from one another.” Police have not yet identified a gunman or motive in the shootings.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on property. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to residents of the apartment complex and whether this shooting may have been prevented.
- How did the gunman gain entry to the property? What security measures, such as gated-entry, bright lighting, surveillance cameras and security patrols, were in place to protect residents and guests at the time of the shooting?
- Have there been previous incidents of violence on or near property and, if so, were any additional security precautions implemented by the complex owner and management to deter such crime?
By law, apartment owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment complex owner or management company failed to provide adequate security, the family of Deshaun Johnson may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death. Additionally, Mr. Leslie may elect to pursue a legal claim for any injuries suffered.
Based upon its long, extensive, and successful experience in handling negligent security cases against apartment complexes in the State of Georgia, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the apartment and property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.
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