Man, 19, is shot and killed at Cambridge at Southern-The Pines apartments near Georgia Southern University

Could the owners of Cambridge at Southern-The Pines apartments be exposed to a civil lawsuit due to the shooting of 19-year-old Cameron Anderson on their premises?

The Cambridge at Southern-The Pines apartments in Statesboro, GA was the site of a deadly shooting on Monday night.

Police responded after reports of gunfire at the apartments. Officers found 19-year-old Cameron Anderson with a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Cambridge apartments are student housing, but it’s not believed the victim was a resident.

Police investigating the murder believe there are more witnesses to the gun violence and are asking them to come forward to help solve the crime. Police also note that the property owners have refused requests to install security cameras to increase the safety of the property.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

When a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their property, it's known as negligent security. This can lead to harm to individuals on the property, with examples including poor lighting in a parking lot, malfunctioning locks on doors, and inadequate security personnel.

Georgia law requires property owners to implement appropriate security measures in apartment complexes where criminal activity is likely to occur. Landlords may need to install visible security cameras, hire on-site security personnel, erect a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, or even establish a guard station at the entrance gate and parking garage to reduce crime in the complex.

A History of Negligence at The Cambridge at Southern-The Pines Apartments

In September 2019, a double shooting at Cambridge at Southern: The Pines resulted in two men being transported to the hospital with injuries.

Online reviews detail a list of maintenance issues for residents of the Cambridge. “I had mold growing on my ceilings, windows, and the air conditioning unit,” said one resident.

“Do not fall for this apartment complex,” says another review. “Managers never call or care about any of the residents… my child’s apartment was broken into, things stolen, they don’t care.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Landlords in Georgia are legally obligated to prevent foreseeable crimes on their properties, but far too many neglect this duty, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of violence.

While law enforcement officials can apprehend offenders and bring them to trial, they lack the authority to force property owners to implement security measures or provide redress to victims and their families.

When a crime occurs at an apartment complex, the victim and their loved ones are left to seek justice through a civil lawsuit against the landlord. Although a civil judgment may not fully repair the harm done, it can help cover medical expenses and lost wages, and provide some sense of closure.

Surprisingly, the prospect of facing significant financial losses in the wake of a lawsuit may be the very thing that motivates landlords to step up their game and prioritize crime prevention measures. It's worth noting this potential silver lining amidst an otherwise bleak situation.

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