Attack at FairFax Motel in Leesburg Leaves Benjamin Musselwhite of Cordele Dead
Does the owner of the FairFax Motel in Leesburg, Georgia face legal liability for negligent security after a man was killed while at the motel?
Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies recently responded to a fatal attack at the FairFax Motel in Leesburg. Upon arrival, deputies found 51-year-old Benjamin Musselwhite from Cordele dead.
After an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), a suspect was taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus
Georgia Negligent Security Law
In Georgia, hotel and motel owners, including those offering weekly rentals, carry a significant legal duty to ensure the safety and security of their guests. When owners are aware of criminal activity on or near their property, they are legally required to take preventive measures. These can include conducting thorough identity checks on guests, denying access to individuals known to cause trouble, installing perimeter fencing, maintaining highly visible security cameras, deploying on-site security staff, and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the property.
Research shows that these proactive measures can greatly reduce the likelihood of violent crimes, holding property owners accountable for maintaining a secure environment. Failing to implement these security protocols may expose them to claims of negligent security.
A History of Negligence at the FairFax Motel in Leesbrg
The property has a troubling history of law enforcement presence due to drug-related incidents, including a significant 2018 bust by the DEA tied to methamphetamine distribution. This ongoing negligence raises concerns about guest safety and the establishment’s compliance with basic security obligations under Georgia law.
Online Reviews reveal a consistent pattern of neglect in both maintenance and security standards for guests at this motel. “This is the worst motel in Georgia. The owners are unprofessional. The rooms are run down & maintenance is awful,” wrote one reviewer.
Only Crime Victims or Their Family Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, motel and long-term residence owners are legally required to maintain secure premises to deter criminal activities. When they fail to take appropriate measures, these environments can become hubs for ongoing criminal behavior.
While law enforcement agencies have the authority to apprehend offenders, they lack the legal power to compel property owners to implement preventive measures or provide compensation to victims’ families. Responsibility for crime prevention rests with the property owners, who can be held accountable through civil lawsuits initiated by crime survivors or victims’ families. Such lawsuits may result in financial damages intended to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with recovery. However, no monetary award can fully alleviate the trauma caused by violent incidents.
Too often, motel and property managers delay implementing essential security measures until legal action is taken against them, highlighting a troubling reluctance to address safety proactively.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.