Southside Recreation Center, Valdosta
Local News
A fatal shooting at the Southside Recreation Center in Valdosta reportedly claimed the life of 17-year-old Solomon Lee early Sunday, February 22, 2015.
According to The Valdosta Daily Times, multiple fights at the Southside Recreation Center, on South Oak Street, erupted into violence shortly before 1:30am Sunday morning. Valdosta High School student, 17-year-old Solomon Lee, was reportedly found shot multiple times outside the private recreation center.
Police have allegedly charged another teen with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting. The tragic shooting comes less than five months after another Valdosta teenager was charged with felony murder, leaving Valdosta parents once again terrified for the safety of their children.
Our Legal Take
As police continue to investigate, The Murray Law Firm is questioning how an argument between children was able to erupt into deathly violence at a community recreation center and whether a facility security lapse may also hold responsibility in this tragedy.
The shooting allegedly occurred following multiple arguments at the Southside Recreation Center. What efforts were made by facility staff during these multiple initial disputes to deescalate the situation, notify parents, and safely and separately remove all children involved from the premises? Were police called to assist in deescalating the potentially violent situation prior to the shooting?
What additional security precautions, such as bag checks, security and police patrols, bright lighting, and surveillance cameras, were implemented by the owner and management of the Southside Recreation Center following the Valdosta teen shooting in October?
The shooting apparently occurred outside the facility in the early morning hours. Was the recreation center hosting an event for teens on Saturday evening and, if so, what security measures were implemented to protect children during and after the event? Were teens allowed to leave the center unaccompanied by an adult? What outdoor security measures, such as bright lighting, surveillance cameras, and security escorts, were available to teens exiting the facility?
The Southside Recreation Center is reportedly a privately owned facility, not affiliated with the Valdosta Parks and Recreation Authority. Under Georgia law, property owners are required to protect all those legally on premises from any foreseeable harm. This responsibility is paramount when overseeing the care and safety of children. Given the recent history of juvenile violence in the Valdosta community, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the Southside Recreation Center failed in their duty to protect Solomon Lee. If so, his family may elect to pursue legal claims in his wrongful death.
Claims of this magnitude would demand the facility reevaluate staff training, youth programming, and facility security measures, particularly around their teen and at-risk youth programming. Perhaps, through these legal claims many other young lives may be spared.
The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims and families devastated by property negligence and we offer our legal expertise, if desired. Anyone interested in further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 229.389.4900. Consultations are free and confidential.
