Fatal Shooting Leaves Man Dead at Atlanta’s The Villages at South River Apartments
With an extensive history of crime, a recent shooting at The Villages at South River will likely expose the property to civil liability under Georgia’s negligent security laws.
Atlanta police officers are currently investigating a deadly shooting that place at The Villages at South River Apartment Complex in Atlanta. Law enforcement was dispatched to the apartments following reports of gunshots.
Upon arrival, Atlanta Police officers found a man on scene suffering from multiple gunshot wounds who was unresponsive and not breathing. Shortly thereafter, medical personnel on the scene pronounced that the victim, identified as 28-year old Rashad Kingsberry, died from his injuries. Police are asking that anyone with information on the shooting come forward.
Georgia Negligent Security Law Explained
Property owners in Georgia have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect tenants, visitors, and guests from otherwise foreseeable criminal activity. This duty becomes especially critical in certain areas where crime is known to be a recurring issue.
If a property owner fails to implement basic security measures, they may be held liable under Georgia’s negligent security laws. These security measures may include:
- fixing broken gates;
- maintaining adequate lighting; or
- providing security personnel.
When these lapses in security measures contribute to violent crime, whether directly or indirectly, victims may have the right to pursue legal action.
Proactive security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras or securing entry points can serve to deter criminal activity and decrease the likelihood that violent crime occurs on property. By taking appropriate precautions, property owners can fulfill their obligation to provide a safe environment for those on their premises.
Changing the Name of the Complex Doesn’t Change the Rate of Crime
The Villages at South River Apartments is one property among a list of 272 apartment complexes in Atlanta’s metro area which are considered to be some of the most persistently dangerous complexes. This apartment complex, previously known as Conley Square and Canyon Creek according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, has a history of serious crime and reported assaults. In November of 2024, another 28-year old was found suffering from a gunshot wound on property.
Despite a somewhat suspicious lack of information on the apartment complex online, data from the Atlanta Journal Constitution reveals that approximately 22 crimes were reported at the 925 Conley Road address from 2017 through July of 2023, including four aggravated assaults. Despite having been taken to court (for reasons unspecified in the ACJ’s findings), it appears that the complex is still a hotspot for violent crime in the Atlanta metro area.
Demanding Justice for Victims and Their Relatives
Victims and their families are often left on their own to bear the devastating consequences of a property’s inadequate security measures. Law enforcement will likely investigate the incident, but they are powerless to make property owners take steps to improve the safety of their complex, or provide compensation for those who’ve been hurt by their negligence.
Consequently, victims (or their families) must take legal action themselves to hold negligent property owners accountable under the law. No amount of money can truly erase the emotional and psychological toll of such traumatic events. However, filing a civil lawsuit may provide financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, or other unexpected hardships caused by these violent crimes.
Beyond seeking compensation, legal action can also serve as a powerful motivator for property owners to take safety concerns seriously. The threat of financial consequences for negligent action often pushes them to prioritize safety and implement better security measures, including hiring of security personnel, surveillance of the complex, and improving property conditions. By seeking justice, victims not only fight for their own rights and restitution, but aid in the effort to help prevent future tragedies in and around their communities.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.