Savannah Shooter Leaves Two Men Injured 8000 Waters Apartment Complex
A Georgia man faces multiple charges after a shooting at a Savannah apartment complex. Officers arrived to 8000 Waters apartments after receiving reports of gunfire. Once on scene, police discovered two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds. They were stabilized and transported to a local hospital.
The condition of the two injured men, who remain unidentified at this time, has not yet been released.
How Does Georgia’s Negligent Security Laws Apply?
In Georgia, property owners have a legal duty to take proactive steps to protect their tenants, visitors, and guests from foreseeable criminal acts on their property. When they fail to uphold this duty by neglecting essential security measures, they may be found liable under the state’s negligent security laws.
Negligent security occurs when a property owner does not implement basic safety measures on their property. These measures might include: functioning locks, controlled access entry points, and adequate lighting on property grounds. If a violent crime happens due in part to these security failures, victims may have a right to seek legal action and hold property owners responsible.
If they continue to ignore safety concerns, they not only put lives at risk, but expose themselves to serious legal consequences. By taking proper precautions, however, property owners can both significantly reduce the risk of crime on their property, and provide a safer environment for all involved.
A Complex Marred by Repeat Gun Violence and Management Issues
Independent research suggests that the apartment complex has had previous reports of gun violence on property. In May 2024, a man was injured in an overnight shooting at the Savannah complex. Just a few months prior, in March of 2024, another man was shot as a result of a group altercation on property. And, in July of 2023, Lavonta Mayes was shot and killed at the 8000 block of Waters Avenue.
If perpetual gun violence on the property wasn’t enough, Online reviews reveal that this self-proclaimed “luxury apartment complex” is fraught with structural issues, lack of maintenance, and management that gives their residents the runaround. One tenant shares that since moving in, they’ve had issues with broken windows, damage from an AC leak, mold growing under their window, and holes in the subfloor. Yet another review writes that “cops are still coming at least twice a week…[and that all of her concerns] fall on deaf ears.”
Victims and Their Families Can Demand Justice
Victims and their families are often left on their own to bear the devastating consequences of violent crime resulting from negligent security. While law enforcement can (and do) investigate these crimes, they cannot hold property owners accountable for failing to provide a safe environment–nor can they force them to take action to prevent future incidents.
To seek accountability, victims must be the ones to take legal action against negligent property owners. Further, these civil actions can provide justifiable financial relief for those dealing with the aftermath. No amount of money can undo the trauma of gun violence, but pursuing a civil claim can help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and/or pain and suffering that were caused by the crime.
Beyond necessary restitution, legal action serves an even greater purpose, namely, it pressures property owners to take safety and security measures seriously. When faced with legal consequences, negligent owners are more likely to implement better security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras, posting security personnel where necessary, and ensuring the integrity of fencing and controlled access points. By demanding justice, victims not only fight for their rights but help to create safer communities and prevent future tragedies.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.