Woman murdered at troubled Fairburn-Gordon Apartments

Could the murder of Melinda Stevenson at Fairburn-Gordon Apartments leave the property owner exposed to a civil lawsuit?

Last week, a family member discovered their mother’s body in a closet at the Fairburn-Gordon apartments in the Adamsville community. Police have indicated it is a homicide after discovering blunt trauma to the head and neck area.

“We walked in there and saw a lot of blood,” said the woman’s son, Derrick Stevenson. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” he continued.

The victim, Melinda Stevenson, 44, also known as Nicki, was "a great person. Great spirit, loved everybody, our whole community," according to her family

Police investigators are asking for anyone with information about this homicide to contact them.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, property owners are legally required to take steps to prevent crime on their property. This includes maintaining security measures, such as security cameras, fencing, and lighting, and addressing any illegal activity or maintenance issues that could create a dangerous environment. If a property owner fails to take these steps, they could be held liable for any crimes that occur on their property.

There are a number of things that property owners can do to reduce crime on their property. These include:

• Installing security cameras. Security cameras can deter crime by making it clear to criminals that they are being watched. They can also be used to identify criminals after a crime has occurred.
• Fencing the property. A fence can help to keep criminals out of the property and can also provide a sense of security for residents.
• Installing lighting. Good lighting can make it difficult for criminals to commit crimes undetected.
• Hiring security guards. If the level of crime in the area is high, property owners may want to consider hiring security guards to patrol the property.

Property owners should take steps to prevent crime on their property. By doing so, they can help to keep their residents and visitors safe.

A History of Crime at the Fairburn-Gordon Apartments

The Fairburn-Gordon Apartments has a notorious history in the NW area of Atlanta. According to authorities, a man was killed and several others were injured in a drive-by shooting at the complex in June 2021. Similarly, in February 2022, a man was shot during a home invasion at the same location.

Online reviews indicate unsafe living situations for residents. "Run for your life this property needs to be shut down," writes one review. "[The] owner of this property is just raking in money and not reinvesting into the up-keep," writes another.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Property owners in Georgia are required by state law to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal activities. Apartment complexes may be encouraging a cycle of violence by failing to report violent crimes that take place close by.

While law enforcement can detain and prosecute criminals, they cannot compel property owners to take the required steps to prevent crime on their land or make up for the losses of victims' families.

Survivors of violent crimes or victims' families are the only ones who can initiate a civil lawsuit against property owners and managers. A civil judgment can help cover expenses such as medical bills and lost wages and provide a starting point for healing, even though it may not fully compensate for the pain caused by a violent attack.

It’s important to note that significant financial compensation to victims may prompt property owners and managers to implement safety measures to prevent future criminal activity on their property.

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