One dead in fatal shooting at Columbia Parkside Apartments in Mechanicsville
Early Tuesday morning, Eric James, 37, of Atlanta was fatally shot at Columbia Parkside Apartments in Mechanicsville, the latest in a string of shootings in the area.
Police responded to the Columbia Parkside Apartments after reports of a person being shot. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive his injuries.
In response to the shooting, a SWAT team was deployed to assist in investigating a potential suspect believed to be residing in a nearby home. However, they were unable to locate the suspect.
Authorities have yet to make an arrest in connection with the homicide. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement works to piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Georgia Negligent Security Law
When a manager or owner of a property neglects to take reasonable precautions to protect it, this is referred to as negligent security. When this happens, it can result in harm to a person who was on the property. Some examples of negligent security might include:
- Not having enough lights in a parking lot
- Not fixing a broken lock on a door
- Not hiring enough people to watch over the place
In Georgia, if criminal activity is likely to occur in an apartment complex, property owners are obligated by law to take appropriate security measures. Landlords might have to implement strong security measures to lessen violence in the complex. These might consist of clearly visible security cameras, on-site security guards, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, or even a guard station at the parking garage and entrance gate.
A History of Crime at the Columbia Parkside Apartments
In November 2021, a man was shot and killed in the stairway at the In February 2023, two children were shot while in the playground at the neighboring apartment complex.
Many residents left online reviews about feeling unsatisfied with their safety when living there. One reviewer remarked, “The entrance gates break every couple of months.” Adding, “My friend’s car was broken into.”
“My first week there [and] 6-7 cars were broken into,” observed another resident. “Do not move here,” they warned.
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
Georgia apartment owners are required by law to take essential steps to protect their properties from criminal acts. While, law enforcement officers have the authority to apprehend offenders and bring them before the courts. However, their powers stop short of mandating property owners to enhance safety measures or compensate victims financially.
It falls upon the crime victims or their bereaved families to initiate legal action against proprietors, seeking damages. Such compensation can help cover medical bills or income lost due to inability to work. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand that, despite providing financial relief, this compensation cannot fully address the emotional trauma resulting from such distressing events.
It's important to note that significant financial compensation for victims might motivate property owners and managers to enhance their security measures, effectively deterring future criminal incidents. This proactive strategy not only protects the community but also highlights the critical role of accountability in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents.
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.
