11-year-old killed in her sleep by gun violence at Northside Hills Apartments

Could Northside Hills Apartments owners face a lawsuit for negligent security after the shooting death of a young girl asleep in her bed?

11-year-old Asijah Love Jones was killed in her sleep when a stray bullet fired from outside her apartment came through the wall. The Spalding County Sheriff has identified a suspect, the same person responsible for an earlier shooting at the apartment complex.

The young victim’s mother, Cyntrell Damond, noted in an interview that this was not even the first time a bullet came through her daughter’s wall. Jones was just one month shy of her 12th birthday.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Spalding County Sheriff's Office.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Residents and visitors at apartment complexes in Georgia may be at risk if management ignores unlawful activity, maintenance issues, and security concerns. According to Georgia law, property owners have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes and can face legal consequences if they fail to do so.

To improve safety, apartment complexes can implement various security measures such as installing security cameras that are visible to deter potential criminals, putting up perimeter fencing with access-controlled gates that work properly, and ensuring sufficient lighting throughout the property. It may also be important to hire a private security guard.

Research has shown that these security measures can significantly decrease the occurrence of violent crimes. It's important for apartment management to prioritize the safety and security of their residents and visitors to create a secure environment for everyone.

A History of Crime at the Northside Hills Apartments

The Northside Hills apartment complex in Griffin, GA has a history of gun violence Neighbors to the shooting victim note how the apartment complex is unsafe to live at. "The gun violence is getting worse. Most of it is gang violence, but most of the people who are doing this don’t even stay out here,” said one resident. The same resident said that there have been several homicides in recent history at the Northside Hills Apartments.

Children playing nearby had to run for cover in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Charlotin Presley, in February 2022. In January 2023, Jarquavion Hall, a 22-year-old man, was shot and killed at the Northside Hills apartment complex. A fire in 2018 destroyed 16 units and displaced 46 residents.

Online reviews express concerns over the security of residents and guests. One resident wrote that this is a “dangerous, depressing place,” noting that there was a “gang shooting [the] other day.” Children were outside playing and while some ran for cover, others were so used to the gunfire they just kept on playing, the same resident said.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

It's important to understand that Georgia property owners are legally required to take reasonable steps to protect their properties from foreseeable crimes. Failure to do so not only exacerbates the issue but also puts the lives of their residents and visitors in danger.

While it’s true police can arrest and charge criminals, they cannot make property owners take steps to prevent crime on their properties. They also cannot help the victims or their families with their expenses and losses.

Only the people who survive violent crimes, or the families of those killed, can sue property owners and managers in civil court. Civil lawsuits can provide financial assistance to cover medical bills and lost wages, but more importantly, they offer victims and their families an opportunity to begin the healing process after experiencing a violent attack. Additionally, a substantial settlement may incentivize property owners and managers to prioritize safety measures to prevent future crimes.

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