22-year-old man murdered at Atlanta’s Willowest Apartments & his dog may be the reason

Could the murder of Jaden McKinnon, 22, at the Willowest Apartments leave the apartment owners to exposed to a civil lawsuit?

A family is in mourning after a shooting at the Willowest Apartment complex along Lindberg Place left a man dead and his French Bulldog missing.

The Atlanta Police Department deployed to the apartment after reports of a shooting. They arrived to find the victim, 22-year-old Jaden McKinnon, with serious gun shot wounds. McKinnon was taken to the hospital where he was declared deceased.

Police officers indicated a small dog was with the victim at the time of the shooting and could not be located. Investigators suspect the dog may have be the reason for the shooting. McKinnon’s neighbors say he was out walking the dog when shot.

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

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Property and apartment owners in Georgia are legally required to take actions to prevent crime on their land. Maintaining security measures such as security cameras, fencing, and lighting, as well as resolving any illegal activity or maintenance concerns that could create a dangerous environment, are all part of this. If a property owner does not take these precautions, they may be held accountable for any crimes committed on their premises.

Property owners have several measures at their disposal to mitigate crime on their premises. These strategies encompass the installation of security cameras, which not only deter potential offenders by signaling surveillance but also aid in post-crime identification. Additionally, erecting fences can act as a physical barrier against unauthorized entry, offering residents an added layer of security.

Effective lighting is another crucial deterrent, making covert activities challenging for criminals. In areas with heightened criminal activity, the engagement of security guards for patrolling can be a prudent choice. By proactively implementing these measures, property owners ensure the safety and well-being of their residents and guests.

A History of Crime at the Willowest Apartments

In January 2021, the Willowest Apartments, then named The Pointe, was the location of a shooting after a drug deal in the complex.

Online reviews indicate unsafe living situations for residents. "The front gate is always broken, the pools are always closed for maintenance, both my kitchen and bathroom ceilings are leaking water, my sink disposal wasn't working, my oven wasn't working, my stove wasn't working." writes one resident.

“I moved out before their company took over because the place was terribly managed and my place was broken into 4 times,” a former resident wrote last year. “Multiple breakins and lack of security made us decide to move,” says a similar review.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

People who own property such as apartments in Georgia must take reasonable actions to keep them safe from criminals. Some housing complexes may exacerbate the situation if they do not inform others about unwanted events happening nearby.

Police can apprehend criminals and prosecute them, but they cannot compel property owners to make their properties safer or compensate families who have been harmed. Only those who have been injured or their families have the right to sue the property owners in court. This money might be used to cover medical expenses or lost wages as a result of their inability to work. Even while this money is helpful, it cannot alleviate the pain caused by the tragic event.

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.