Two Shootings in Span of Days at Ashley Cascade Apartments in Atlanta

In the span of just a few days gun violence at Ashley Cascade Apartments left a three-year-old child injured and a man with a non-life-threatening gun wound. 

Police say the child was shot in a drive-by shooting and is expected to survive. The child was playing outside and was not the target of the shooting.

Two days after that shooting, there was more gunfire at the complex. This time a man was shot, likely by an acquaintance.

If you were a witness or have any leads, police investigators are asking for your help in solving these shootings.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

The term negligent security refers to a situation in which a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable measures to keep their property safe. When this happens, it can result in harm to a person who was on the property. Some examples of negligent security might include failing to properly light a parking lot, failing to repair a broken lock on a door, or failing to hire adequate security staff.

In the state of Georgia, property owners are required by law to take reasonable security measures if criminal activity is likely to occur at an apartment complex. To reduce crime in the community, landlords may be obligated to put in place effective security measures. These could include visible video cameras, on-site security personnel, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate and parking garage.

A History of Negligence at Ashley Cascade Apartments

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution highlighted a triple shooting in July 2022. In May 2022 a man was shot multiple times and died. Additionally, an expectant mother was shot twice in July 2021 after stray gunfire hit her apartment. A man was shot during a fight in July 2021. Recently, a 17-year-old was shot in the chest on October 8, 2023.

Apartment residents have left online reviews expressing their concern that their community is unsafe. “This place needs to shut down people have lost their life over in this place it a war and drug zone not good place to raise kids,” stated a resident.

“You will have detectives walking around knocking on your door asking for help with a shooting/murder. You will come through the gate and there will be squad cars and yellow tape,” warned another resident.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

In Georgia, landlords must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. However, some landlords fail to act, which can contribute to a cycle of violence.

Police can find criminals and bring them to prison. Still, they can't do much to convince property owners to take security precautions against crime on their property or make amends with the families of the victims.

Only crime victims and their families can sue property owners in civil court. Although a civil judgment cannot fully compensate for the harm caused, it can help cover medical bills and lost income, and provide a starting point for healing.

It is important to understand that when property owners suffer major financial losses in court, they often feel compelled to take precautions to prevent future violent crimes on their property.

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