Georgia Legal Report
Christopher Barnes Killed in Clayton County, GA Gas Station Shooting. (11Alive.com)
Could the shooting death at a Clayton County 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 a Clayton County, Georgia gas station Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 2019, leaving one man dead.
As reported by 11Alive.com, “[i]t was around 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 6 when officers from the Clayton County Police Department and sheriff’s deputies responded to the intersection of Rex Road and Mt. Zion Boulevard after getting reports of a shooting.”
According to the report, “they found a man laying on the ground in the parking lot of a…gas station, unresponsive.”
The victim was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
AJC.com identified the victim as “28-year-old Christopher Barnes.”
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting according to media reports.
Our Legal Take
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, Christopher Barnes’ family 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 Christopher Barnes’ family 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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