Shooting at The Jasper Apartment Complex Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting at the Jasper apartment complex on Friday evening. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims who were immediately transported to the hospital.
Ruben Johnson, 20, was tragically shot and killed, while another individual sustained injuries. Authorities say two men forced their way into Johnson’s apartment and fired multiple rounds. Moments before the shooting, Johnson had been livestreaming on Facebook, an unsettling detail that underscores the suddenness of the attack.
Law enforcement have made arrests, but the investigation remains active. Deputies are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Georgia Negligent Security Law
In Georgia, negligent security happens when property owners or managers fail to take reasonable steps to keep their property safe, which can lead to serious harm for people on the premises. Examples include poorly lit parking areas, broken door locks that aren’t fixed, broken security gates, or not having enough staff to monitor the property.
When safety measures are ignored, everyone is at risk. Property owners are legally required to protect their residents, especially in areas with known criminal activity. By law, landlords must provide proper security to help prevent violence in their buildings. This can include working security cameras, on-site security guards, gated access, perimeter fences, or guard stations at parking garages or entrances.
A History of Crime at The Jasper Apartments
Online Reviews for The Jasper apartment complex indicate that conditions have been deteriorating. Maintenance of safety features is also an issue.
One review says “Residents were getting out of hand. Make threats to the children and adults. Called the cops several times.” Another states that “there [are] gunshots at least 2-3 times every other month.”
Residents point to ongoing problems with the security gates easily allowing anyone onto the property. “There is no security, the gates are always open,” states one resident. Another adds, “the gate … isn’t or hasn’t been working for going on a year now.”
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, apartment owners are required by law to take certain steps to protect their properties from criminal activity. While law enforcement is responsible for catching criminals and bringing them to justice, it is not their job to make property owners improve safety measures or to provide compensation to victims.
It falls to crime victims or their families to pursue legal action against property owners for any negligence. Compensation awarded through such lawsuits can help cover medical expenses and lost income, but it’s important to note that financial compensation alone cannot fully address the emotional trauma victims suffer from these distressing incidents.
However, significant financial compensation could encourage property owners and managers to improve security measures, which might help prevent future crimes. This not only protects the community but also highlights the importance of accountability in creating a safe environment for residents and visitors.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.