Donnecheville Boddie fatally shot at Baymont Inn & Suites in Macon, GA

Does the owner of Baymont Inn & Suites hotel in Macon, GA face legal liability after a fatal shooting left one dead at the troubled hotel?

Donnecheville Boddie, a 25 year old man and resident of Columbus, Georgia, was shot in the parking lot at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Macon. The Bibb county police responded to the hotel, where they found the victim unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, but pronounced dead by medical staff.

This was the second shooting in eight days. The previous shooting had two victims, although booth are expected to survive their wounds.

While arrests were made after search warrants were executed at the hotel, investigators do not yet know the motive for either of the shootings, but are asking for any witnesses to come forward.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, hotel and motel owners, including those with weekly rentals, face an important responsibility – ensuring proper security measures are in place if criminal activities have been reported around their property. These measures encompass customer ID checks, deterring unwanted individuals, fencing the premises, installing conspicuous security cameras, deploying on-site security guards, and ensuring well-lit surroundings. Research indicates that these efforts can effectively curb violent crime in apartment communities.

A History of Negligence at the Baymont Inn & Suites

A 62-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were found with gunshot wounds at the Baymont Inn on July 11. The Bibb county police are investigating the shooting and are not yet sure if the two shootings are connected.

People who have stayed at the Baymont Inn & Suites motel have written online reviews that say there are problems with the people who run it and drugs on the property. Reviewers report half the hotel is used by long term residents which causes problems on the property.

One person wrote, "My family and I didn't even make it to the rooms without feeling unsafe. There was what appeared to be a gang hanging outside.”

Another reviewer added, “If you want to feel safe enough to actually go to sleep, don’t stay here.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Family Can Demand Justice

In Georgia, the onus falls on hotel and motel owners to ensure the safety of their properties against potential criminal incidents. Failure to address such issues could perpetuate a cycle of crime.

While law enforcement can apprehend criminals, they lack the authority to compel hotel or motel owners to proactively prevent crime or compensate victims' families.

In the aftermath of a violent crime, only survivors or victims' families have the right to bring property owners and management companies to court. A civil judgment can alleviate costs such as medical expenses and lost earnings, serving as a crucial step towards healing, although it cannot fully compensate for the profound suffering caused by violent crime.

Importantly, owners and management often hesitate to take preventive measures until they face significant legal consequences, highlighting a potential reluctance to address security concerns.

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