A 16-year-old boy is battling injuries sustained from a Sunday afternoon shooting at the Victory Crossing Apartments in Columbus, GA. Only months after a stabbing at the same complex, investigators and residents are now questioning security measures at the apartments.
According to Columbus Police reports, the shooting occurred between 12:40pm and 1:00pm on Sunday afternoon. A 16-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen and transported to the hospital for serious injuries. Four others were threatened, but unharmed by the gunman.
The shooting comes only a few months after a stabbing shook the Victory Crossing Apartment community. As police investigate this latest act of violence, residents are once again left concerned for the safety of their families. Premises Liability Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this shooting and question whether a safety lapse at the Victory Crossing Apartment complex contributed to this horrific incident:
- How did Village Crossing increase security measures following the February stabbing of a resident? Were additional security methods, such as surveillance cameras or increased police or security patrols, added?
- Was the gunman a resident of Village Crossing and, if not, how did the shooter gain access to the property? What access restrictions, such as a security gate or resident ID card system, were in place at the time of the shooting?
As the details of this shooting continue to develop, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the Victory Crossing Apartment complex failed to undertake proper security measures to protect those legally on the 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 Village Crossing Apartment complex be found at fault in this incident, the family of the young victim may elect to hold the owner or management company civilly liable for his injuries. Financial recovery for such a claim 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. As insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, 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 family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm handles cases such as this one on a regular basis, and is willing to assist if requested to do so.
If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.