Shooting at Atlanta's Retreat at Greenbriar apartments claims the life of one brother, critically injures another
Atlanta Police were called to the Retreat at Greenbriar apartments to investigate a deadly shooting. There they found two men with gunshot wounds.
Police say the men were brothers. One was transported to the hospital with severe injuries, The other, who was identified as Tabari Walters, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
There's so much crime and stuff going on over here to where we are just throwing our hands up and praying because it's getting terrible," one resident told 11Alive news.
Investigators believe the two men were confronted by five suspects in the parking lot and don't believe gang activity was involved. Police have asked for witness help in identifying all suspects.
Georgia Negligent Security Law
When a property manager or owner knows of criminal activity on or near their property and 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 reasonably foreseen 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 Retreat at Greenbriar Apartments
This is the second shooting just this month at the Retreat at Greenbriar apartments, a previous incident left a 17-year-old boy injured. Earlier this year, there were two shootings in January. One left a 30 year old mother with fractured bones in her face when a bullet was shot through her window as she sat on a couch. These are just the most recent examples in multiple years of gun violence at the apartment complex.
Online Reviews for The Retreat at Greenbriar reveal a history of maintenance and safety issues. One family member writes about a shooting in 2022, “the last straw was the shooting that occurred […] right outside of my daughters window. Her brand new car was shot up. A bullet went into my two year old grandson's car seat.”
Another recent review warns, “these apartments are not liveable and you could possibly die out here. There was also a 15 year old that was shot and killed here and 3 other kids were wounded.”
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. Law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest offenders and bring them before the courts. However, their law enforcement’s 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 should be emphasized that financial compensation to victims could encourage property owners and managers to improve their security protocols, thereby preventing future criminal activities. This proactive approach not only safeguards the community but also underscores the importance of accountability in maintaining a secure environment for all residents.
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.
