Two shot at Manchester at Wesleyan Apartments in Macon

The Manchester at Wesleyan apartments was the scene of a double shooting, could the owners be found partially liable for negligent security?

A brother and sister were shot at building 100 of the Manchester at Wesleyan apartments. Both 24-year-old Kenderius Dejuan Fort and 29-year-old Latrecia Chanay Fort were transported to the hospital where they were listed in stable condition.

Investigators at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office are seeking to speak with 26-year-old Tylir Laron Kendall in reference to this investigation.

Sheriff initially responded to the Macon apartment complex after a report of a gunfire on the premises.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, the apartment complex owner is required by law to take adequate security measures if there is a history of criminal conduct on or near the complex. To lessen crime in the community, landlords might well be required to put in place reasonable security measures like visible video cameras, on-site security, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate.

The good news is that research has demonstrated how access-controlled gates, a secure perimeter fence, adequate lighting, visible security cameras, and, when required, professional security guards can reduce violent crime in apartment communities.

A History of Negligence at the Manchester at Wesleyan Apartments

Online reviews of the Manchester at Wesleyan apartments identify clear issues with maintenance and security at the complex. The apartments are “not even a place I would recommend to an enemy,” state one resident

Another resident warned readers not to rent there. “AC has been out for days. My toilet does not work and two of my sinks are broken for months,” they posted. When management replied to the review, the resident posted two weeks later with an update that still no one had come to fix the issues.

While the apartment is described as a gated community, multiple reviews note that the gates themselves don’t work. This leads to problems like this reviewer had. “People go through your cars at night,” they wrote. “There are no cameras on the property.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Family Can Demand Justice

Apartment owners in Georgia are required by law to take reasonable precautions against foreseeable crimes. Landlords frequently end up promoting a cycle of violence if they don't address criminal activity that has been happening in the neighborhood.

The police department may be able to apprehend criminals and bring them to justice, but there is little that they can do to compel property owners to implement security measures against crime on their property, and they are unable to make amends to the families of the victims.

Only those who have survived a violent crime or the victim's family are qualified to sue property owners and management companies in court. A civil judgment can assist with costs like medical bills and lost earnings as well as serve as a beginning point for healing, even if it will never entirely make up for the suffering brought on by violent crime.

It is important to realize that property owners and managers sometimes put off taking the necessary action to deter violent crimes on their property until after they have suffered significant damages in court.

Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.