One dead in fatal shooting at The Vue at Harwell Apartments

A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning at the Vue at Harwell, a troubled apartment complex in northwest Atlanta.

Police responded to the apartments after reports that a person was shot. When they arrived at The Vue at Harwell apartments they found a man with a gunshot wound. Medical treatment was called for, but the man was pronounced dead on the scene.

The police have yet to release the victim’s name. Investigators are asking for witnesses to call in any tips they may have.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, negligent security occurs when a property's manager or owner fails to implement reasonable measures to safeguard it, potentially leading to harm to individuals on the premises. This might manifest in various ways, such as inadequate lighting in a parking lot, neglecting to repair a broken door lock, or insufficient staffing for surveillance and oversight.

If criminal activity is likely to occur in an apartment complex, property owners are required by law to implement adequate 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 or entrance gate.

A History of Crime at the Vue at Harwell Apartments

The Vue at Harwell is on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s list of the metro area’s persistently dangerous apartment complexes.

In January this year, gunfire left a man shot at least once at the complex and he too died at the scene. In June 2021, a shooting left one dead and another injured in the parking lot of Vue at Harwell. Prior to that, when it was known as the Daron Village Apartments in June 2018, a man was shot dead in the parking lot.

Three were injured in a shooting in March 2021. The AJC lists 110 crimes reported at the Vue at Harwell from 2017 through April 2023: 5 homicides included.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Georgia apartment owners are required by law to take certain steps to protect their properties from criminal acts. 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 families to initiate legal action against property owners. Any compensation received can help cover medical bills or income lost due to the inability to work. It is essential to understand that, despite providing financial relief, this compensation cannot fully address the emotional trauma resulting from such distressing events.

A significant enough financial compensation package for victims might motivate property owners and managers to enhance their security measures, effectively deterring future criminal incidents. This 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.