Man Found Dead on Apartment Property: Why The Crystal Heights Owners are Liable
The owners of the Crystal Heights Apartment Complex may now face exposure to potential civil liability under negligent security laws following a shooting believed to have taken place on the property.
Officers from the Atlanta Police Department were dispatched to the Crystal Heights apartment complex near Adamsville after receiving reports that a man was shot.
Upon arrival, the police discovered a man who had been shot dead in the passenger seat of a Tesla Model Y parked at the complex. The police have confirmed they are investigating this death as a homicide, but have not released any further information at this time.
Understanding Georgia Negligent Security Law
In Georgia, property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for tenants who visit or live on property. This means taking affirmative steps to prevent crime before it happens, especially in areas where criminal activity is known to be high. These preventative measures can include installing bright lighting, maintaining working gates and locks, and having visible security personnel on the property.
If, however, property owners fail to provide adequate security, they might be found civilly liable under Georgia law. It is the duty of property owners to act reasonably to protect the safety of residents and visitors, especially when criminal activity such as assault or theft might have otherwise been preventable.
With the goal of reducing the chance of crime occurring on the property, owners might install surveillance cameras or secure entrances with controlled access or gate codes.
A Long History of Crime at Crystal Heights Apartments
The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s “Dangerous Dwellings” series reveals this shooting at the Crystal Heights apartment complex is not the first incident of crime on property grounds. The series reveals the police reported at least 52 separate crimes from 2017 through July 2023. This includes a fatal shooting of Jonathan Stafford, 24, in November of 2021.
While the Crystal Heights apartment complex claims to be a luxury apartment suite in Atlanta, GA, online reviews indicate that residents deal with serious roach infestations, poor response times to repeated maintenance requests, and non-existent property security.
One resident states that the complex is a bad area to live in, due to car break-ins and shootings. Another former resident says there “was a shoot out” on their first night at the property.
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, property owners are legally required to implement proper security measures to prevent crime. However, when landlords and property managers continually fail to uphold this duty, they contribute to a dangerous cycle of violence that puts the Atlanta community at risk.
While law enforcement can see that justice prevails, they cannot force property owners to take responsibility for their inaction or offer financial relief to their residents. If someone becomes a crime victim, or if their family is impacted, only they can file a lawsuit against the property owner to seek compensation. Of course, no monetary award can truly erase the pain of violent crime, but a civil judgment can provide vital financial relief for victims and their families.
Requiring property owners and managers to pay significant compensation to victims not only supports recovery, but also serves as a powerful motivator to improve security measures and work to end the recurrence of future crimes. Accountability is crucial. Because, when these complexes are required to face the consequences of neglect, they are often compelled to invest in effective security, take the concerns of their residents seriously, and create a safer environment.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.