Georgia Legal Report
Mark Alden Howard Fatally injured in Athens, GA Gas Station Shooting. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Could the shooting death at an Athens gas station have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Gunfire erupted at an Athens, Georgia gas station Tuesday evening, August 25, 2020, leaving one man dead.
As reported by AJC.com, “[o]fficers responded to the shooting at a [gas station] in the 400 block of North Avenue just before 5 p.m.”
According to the report, “[t]he victim, identified Wednesday as 52-year-old Mark Alden Howard of Athens, [was unable to survive] his injuries.”
OnlineAthens.com is reporting a suspect has been charged with felony murder in connection with the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing.
Our Legal Take
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Gas station and convenience store patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the gas station is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have there been prior violent incidents near or on the property?
- What security measures were present to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
- Was there any reports of suspicious individuals on the property prior to the incident?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the gas station owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the family of Mark Alden Howard may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Mark Alden Howard retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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