Man Found Dead of Gunshot Wound at Savannah's The Westlake Apartments

Could the murder of Jamie Bernard Burton, Jr., at the Westlake Apartments leave the apartment owners to exposed to a civil lawsuit?

On June 10, 2023, Chatham County Police responded to a call for shots fired at the Westlake Apartments in Savannah, GA. Upon arrival, officers located 25-year-old Jamie Bernard Burton, Jr., dead from a gunshot wound in a breezeway at the complex.

No other details have been released, but investigators believe the shooting was intentional. A resident in a neighboring complex said, "I don't feel safe anymore."

Anyone who has information that may be useful in the investigation is asked to contact detectives at the Chatham County Police Department.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In the state of Georgia, the law places a burden on property owners to implement measures designed to deter crime within their premises. This legal mandate extends to maintaining adequate security such as the installation of surveillance cameras, appropriate fencing, and ample lighting. Failure to comply with these requirements potentially places property owners at risk of legal liability for any criminal acts that unfold on their property.

The toolbox for crime prevention in property management includes a variety of measures. For instance, security cameras not only serve as a deterrent, making potential criminals aware of their surveillance, but they also provide a means to identify perpetrators post-crime. The erection of fences provides a physical barrier to crime while also enhancing the perceived safety for residents. Lighting plays a critical role in visibility, making it harder for illicit activities to occur unnoticed. In high-crime areas, the presence of security guards patrolling the property adds another layer of protection and acts as a powerful crime deterrent.

It is important that property owners proactively take these steps as they have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. By implementing adequate safety measures, property owners contribute to the creation of safer, more secure communities.

A History of Crime at the Westlake Apartments

The Westlake Apartments has a scandalous recent history in Savannah. Just last month, a person was shot at the complex and left with serious injuries. In June of 2022, there was an evening shooting that wounded one and left them dealing with non-life threatening injuries.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Under Georgia law, it is incumbent upon property owners to adopt necessary safeguards to ward off predictable criminal acts. There exists a concern, however, that by not reporting violent incidents in their vicinity, these complexes may be inadvertently perpetuating a cycle of violence.

While law enforcement can apprehend and prosecute criminals, their authority does not extend to enforcing property owners' adherence to crime prevention measures. Neither can they provide restitution to the bereaved families who have suffered the consequences of these criminal activities.

The onus of initiating civil lawsuits against landlords or property managers falls solely on the survivors of these violent crimes, or the families of the victims. Through these suits, they may be able to secure some financial reparation to help cover expenses like medical bills and lost income, and provide a semblance of a foundation for their healing process. While such financial compensation might not fully assuage the pain borne from violent crime, it could nevertheless serve as a catalyst for change.

Importantly, significant financial restitution to victims may have a ripple effect, inciting property owners and managers to bolster safety measures to prevent future crimes. In the long run, this could lead to safer premises and a potential decrease in violent crime.

Together we can make Georgia safe, one community at a time.