Shooting at Candler Forrest Apartments Ends With 28-Year-Old Man Dead in Lobby
Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place at an apartment complex off Candler Road in Decatur, GA. When officers arrived at the Candler Forrest Apartments, they discovered a 28-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds in the lobby.
At this time, DeKalb County police believe the victim may have been involved in some kind of fight before he was shot. However, law enforcement has not released any information about possible suspects.
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information or submit an anonymous tip as the investigation continues.
Understanding Georgia Negligent Security Laws
Property Owners in Georgia have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect their tenants, visitors, and guests from any foreseeable criminal activity. When they fail to uphold this duty, however, by neglecting necessary security measures, they can be held liable under the state’s negligent security laws.
Negligent security arises when a property owner does not implement basic safety measures, such as installing surveillance cameras, securing entry points with gates or access codes, and/or providing security personnel in high-risk areas. If these failures contribute to a violent crime, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible parties.
When property owners ignore the security concerns of their community, they not only put innocent lives at risk, but expose themselves to serious legal consequences. However, by proactively addressing these security risks, they can create a safer environment and uphold their legal responsibilities.
Candler Residents Express Concerns and Frustrations Over Criminal Activity
A resident, Jodi Bobb, who knew the victim personally, says that crime happens all too often where she lives. “I’ve had enough,” she tells reporters, “it’s to the point now where my son is not even allowed to come over here on the weekends because of this.” Given the rate of criminal activity, she’s scared for her safety and has begun looking for a new place to live.
A recent online review confirms that other residents share in her sentiment:
First of all someone died in the lobby, can we unpack that for a second? For most of the residents that live at this property seen this issue coming from a mile away. Upper management should do more to secure the property. There has been a string of car break in’s with nothing happening. Probably unrelated but either way security and the gate should be fixed to prevent as much as possible.
In fact, other neighbors spoke with local Channel Action 2 News to share their frustrations and fears about the complex following the recent shooting.
Many feel at risk, worried that the unnamed gunman will come back. Residents want the complex to implement more security. One neighbor reveals that “If you walk around the property, there’s no secure doors, nowhere and it makes me want to move.” Another demands the complex “clean up our community. Make us secure again.”
Victims and Their Families Can Demand Justice
When victims suffer due to violent crimes enabled by negligent security, they are often left to bear the traumatic events on their own. While law enforcement and criminal prosecution can focus on punishing individual offenders, they cannot force property owners to be accountable for failing to provide a safe environment. Civil legal action is often the only way to ensure those responsible for inadequate security are held liable for their negligence.
If victims pursue a negligent security claim, they can potentially seek financial compensation created by the undue hardship of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the crime. More importantly, these claims serve as a way for victims to demand the justice they so rightfully deserve. It sends a message to property owners that they must take security seriously to prevent future tragedies from reoccurring.
When faced with legal and financial consequences, negligent property owners are more likely to implement critical safety measures, such as better lighting, gated entryways, and ample security personnel to patrol the property. Seeking justice isn’t just about financial restitution. By taking legal action, victims not only fight for their rights, but contribute to making the community safer for everyone.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.