Teen Injured in Shooting at Keswick Village Apartments
Police were called to the Keswick Village Apartments in Conyers, GA after they received a 911 call that a person had been shot on property. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old who was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital in stable condition.
Police are still aggressively investigating the incident and believe the suspect is also under the age of 18. While fleeing the scene almost immediately, the suspect is believed to live on the property. Anyone with information should contact the local authorities or leave an anonymous tip.
Negligent Security Laws in Georgia
Property owners in Georgia are legally required to take reasonable steps to protect tenants, employees, and visitors from foreseeable crimes. When they ignore known risks or fail to implement basic safety measures, they may be held liable under the state’s negligent security laws.
Negligent security refers to the lack of essential protections—such as proper lighting, working locks, or controlled access—that can prevent violence. If these failures lead to incidents like assaults or shootings, victims may have grounds to file a civil claim against the property owner, especially in high-crime areas.
These laws hold property owners accountable for preventable harm. By maintaining safety standards and addressing past threats, owners can protect lives and avoid serious legal and financial consequences. Neglecting this duty puts everyone at risk.
Prior Gun Violence, Unfit Living Conditions
Unfortunately, this is not the first time underage individuals have been at risk on the property. Back in August of 2023, an 11-year-old boy was held at gunpoint during a home invasion robbery. Management never offered any commentary about the incident.
In fact, negative reviews for the Keswick apartment reveal maintenance problems and unfit living conditions that the community refuses to address. Reviews also reveal that “mailboxes have been broken into 7 times.” And, one long-time resident even warns others not to move here, stating, “Crime almost every other day now…these people really don’t care.”
Victims Can Demand Justice for Negligent Security
When violent crimes occur as a result of negligent security, victims are often left to suffer the physical, emotional, and financial burdens on their own. While criminal charges may be brought against the perpetrator(s), they don’t extend to property owners, who also need to be held accountable for failing to provide a safe environment. That’s where victims and their families have the opportunity to fight for justice.
By filing a negligent security claim, victims can hold property owners accountable for ignoring safety concerns or failing to implement effective security measures. There is no amount of money that can ever undo the trauma caused by violent crime. However, civil action can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehousing costs, providing critical relief during a difficult time.
Taking legal action also sends a clear message: property owners must take safety seriously. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure they enforce stronger safety measures, whether that be hiring security personnel to patrol the grounds or installing surveillance systems on the property. It shows that inaction will not be ignored. In this way, pursuing justice not only helps victims heal but can help reduce the likelihood of future crimes by fostering safer communities, protecting others from suffering the same tragic circumstances.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.