One man was killed and two others injured during a shooting at the Rosa Burney Park Apartments in Atlanta Monday morning. As police search for a gunman, investigators are questioning whether a serious apartment complex security lapse may have contributed to this tragedy.
According to initial reports, the triple shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Rosa Burney Park Apartments on Windsor Street, just after midnight on Monday morning. The victims were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for gunshot wounds, where one later perished from critical injuries.
Police are now canvassing the neighborhood to find witnesses and suspects in the shooting. "We don't really have a lot of information to give us a clear understanding of what occurred," Lt. Paul Guerrucci told Channel 2 News.
The shooting comes only a year and half after another fatal Rosa Burney Park apartment shooting. As police investigate this latest act of violence, residents and families at the Rosa Burney Park Apartments have once again been left terrified for the safety of their families. Given the recent history of violence in the neighborhood, Premises Liability Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether a lapse in apartment complex security may have played a role in this shooting:
- Was the shooter a resident of the Rosa Burney Park Apartments and, if not, how did he gain access to the property? Is there a security fence and gate to restrict access to those legally permitted on property?
- According to witness reports, several people scattered from the parking lot following the shooting. Was there a security patrol on duty at the time of the shooting and, if so, what efforts were made prior to the shooting to ensure that this crowd consisted of guests legally allowed on premises and, further, that the crowd was not a danger to apartment residents or their guests?
- Were the apartment complex parking lot and grounds properly lit for resident and guest safety at the time of the shooting? Were surveillance cameras operating at the time of the shooting?
- Given the prior history of neighborhood violence, what security measures (such as surveillance cameras, increased security patrols, ID cards, and/or security gates) were implemented by the Rosa Burney Park Apartment owner and management company following the previous shooting to increase security on the complex grounds?
As the details of this shooting continue to develop, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the Rosa Burney Park Apartment complex failed to undertake proper security measures to protect those legally on its premises. Under Georgia law, an owner and management company of an apartment complex has a duty to protect such individuals from foreseeable crimes and to keep its premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held liable under Georgia law for any injuries that occur.
Should the Rosa Burney Park Apartment complex be found at fault in this incident, the family of the victim killed in this shooting may elect to hold the owner or management company civilly liable for his wrongful death. Further, the other victims injured in this shooting may also elect to hold the owner and management companies liable for their significant injuries. Total financial recovery for such claims could be substantial and would certainly send a needed message to all Georgia property managers on the need to implement proper security measures to protect their residents and guests. As insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims what they rightfully deserve, it is crucial that an experienced premises liability firm be retained as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage, is preserved and the families' best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims and families of apartment complex crimes, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.
If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us at 404.842.1600 or toll free at 888.842.1616.