Tragic Gun Violence at Eastview Apartments Kills 5-Year-Old and 19-Year-Old, Injures Another
Another fatal shooting at a troubled apartment complex in Americus, GA this weekend. Police responded to the Eastview Apartments after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims with gunshot wounds. Among them, five-year old, Peyton Roberts, who’d been hit by a stray bullet while playing in front of her home. Tragically, she died after being rushed to the hospital.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reports that two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds: a 19-year old male who later succumbed to his gunshot wounds, and an unidentified victim who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police have detained a suspect who is being held under charges of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Aggravated Battery. The investigation is currently ongoing.
How does Georgia’s Negligent Security Law Apply?
Property Owners in Georgia have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect tenants, visitors, and guests from foreseeable criminal activity. When they fail to uphold this duty by neglecting essential security measures, they may be held accountable under Georgia’s negligent security laws.
Negligent security occurs when a property owner does not take necessary precautions–such as installing proper lighting around the complex, installing secured entry/exit points, or employing security personnel in high-risk areas–creating an environment where crime can occur. If this failure contributes to an assault, robbery, or other violent incident, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the negligent property owner.
By ensuring proper safety measures are in place, property owners can help prevent otherwise avoidable tragedies and fulfill their obligation to protect those on their premises. Failing to do so not only puts people at serious risk, but it exposes the property owners to legal consequences under Georgia law.
It’s Time for the Eastview Apartments Complex to Take Action
Following this senseless act of gun violence, the Americus community mourns the tragic loss of Peyton Roberts. Countless individuals gathered at the Eastview Apartment complex in a touching display of support to memorialize her memory. In tandem, community leaders have taken to their platforms to call upon the public to come together to bring about real change.
City Mayor Lee Kinnamon states “what we [the community] need to do now is to recognize the power of uniting behind a common cause.” The city of Americus has been working with local partners since 2022 to address the topic of gun violence, but Mayor Kinnamon indicates the fight is long from over.
The Eastview Apartment complex is known to have previous instances of gun violence resulting in death and serious injury. In October 2023, a man shot and killed 22-year old Jahlin Sims, and left Anfranee Smothers, 27, seriously injured in critical condition. In July of 2021, an act of aggravated assault led to an 18 year-old being shot twice on complex property.
With this most recent shooting marking yet another occurrence of gun violence on Eastview Apartments property, the time for the property owner to take proactive measures to ward against criminal activity is long overdue. Eugene Edge, a representative with the Sumter County NAACP, states succinctly that the community “need proactive things to take place.” We all need to make the effort to pursue avenues which lead to the reduction, if not eradication, of senseless gun violence.
Victims and Their Families Must Demand Justice
When violent crime such as this occurs due to negligent security, victims and their families are often left to deal with the devastating aftermath on their own. Law enforcement may investigate the crime, and the community can increase efforts to reduce criminal activity, but neither can force property owners to take responsibility for failing to provide a safe environment.
Pursuing legal action is often the only way victims can hold negligent property owners accountable. A Civil lawsuit can provide financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, mental health or grief counseling, and other damages suffered as a result of the crime. While no amount of money can undo the trauma caused, seeking justice can help ease the burden and provide victims with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Beyond compensation, legal action can push property owners to take security measures seriously. The risk of financial liability often forces them to implement better safety measures, such as surveillance systems, controlled access points, and reinforced property boundaries to ward against trespassing. By demanding justice, victims not only fight for their rights, but help fight to make their communities safer for others.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.