Michael Brown, 47, shot and killed, another injured at Gables Mills Apartments

A double-shooting at the Gables Mills Apartments in Cobb County, left Michael Brown, 47, dead and an unidentified woman injured.

Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Gables Mills Apartments in Cumberland. Upon arrival, they found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. The male, later identified as Michael Brown, was pronounced dead and a woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

Cobb Police said their Major Crimes Unit is investigating. A child is said to have witnessed the crime and a person of interest has been identified, but officers are asking others with information to come forward.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, property and apartment owners are legally obligated to take steps to prevent crime on their property. This includes installing surveillance cameras, erecting fences, and ensuring proper lighting, in addition to addressing any unlawful activities or maintenance issues that might create a hazardous environment. Failure to implement these security measures could result in the property owner being held responsible for any criminal acts that occur on their property.

To enhance security, property owners can adopt several strategies. Installing security cameras acts as a deterrent to potential criminals by making it clear that they are under surveillance, and can assist law enforcement in identifying suspects if a crime is committed. Erecting fences is another effective measure, as it makes unauthorized access to the property more difficult. Adequate lighting is crucial as well; it reduces the chances of criminal activities being carried out under the cover of darkness. In high-crime areas, hiring security guards to patrol the premises can provide an additional layer of protection. By taking these proactive steps, property owners can significantly improve the safety of their property.

A History of Crime at the Gables Mills Apartments

Online reviews highlight unsafe living situations for residents. “People are braking into our homes, damaging cars,” said one resident. “Nothing is being done to stop this.”

“Front gate is either broken or being ‘fixed’, our car has gotten broken into,” writes a reviewer. “I am extremely unhappy with living here.”

“Gates are always broken” reports another reviewer who also notes that “people [are] breaking into mailboxes.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

In Georgia, property owners are required to implement measures to safeguard their properties against criminal activities. This may include the installation of security cameras and lighting. Additionally, they are expected to inform individuals of any criminal incidents that have occurred nearby. Failure to undertake these precautions could result in property owners being held liable for expenses such as medical bills and other damages if someone is injured on their property.

The police can catch and punish criminals, but they can't make property owners or management companies make their apartments safer or pay for the victims' losses. Only the victims or their families can sue in court. The money from the lawsuit can be used to pay for medical bills and lost wages, but it can't make up for the pain and suffering that the victim went through.

It’s important to note that significant monetary 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.