Georgia Legal Report
Johnnie Malachi Identified as Victim in Fatal Valdosta Nightclub Shooting. (WCTV.tv)
Could the shooting death at a Valdosta nightclub parking lot 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
Update: WALB.com has identified the victim in the nightclub shooting as “Johnnie Malachi, 19.”
Gunfire rang out outside a Valdosta, Georgia nightclub parking lot early Sunday morning, August 30, 2020, leaving one young man dead.
As reported by WCTV.tv, “[t]he Valdosta Police Department responded to the Vibez Nightclub parking lot at 2159 Bemiss Road around 2 a.m. Sunday after receiving 911 calls about a shooting.”
According to the report, “when [officers] arrived on scene, they found a 19-year-old male with a gunshot wound.”
The victim was taken to South Georgia Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is ongoing.
Our Legal Take
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Nightclub and parking lot patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the nightclub 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 prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Does the nightclub have a protocol to check guests for deadly weapons prior to entering the establishment?
- What nightclub security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim and others at the time of the shooting?
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 parking lot owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the family of Johnnie Malachi 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 Johnnie Malachi 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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