Two teens shot at The Villages at Carver Apartments
Does the owner of the Villages at Carver Apartments face legal liability after two teens were shot on the property?
A double-shooting drew police to The Villages at Carver in southeast Atlanta. Upon arriving at the apartment complex, officers found two men, ages 18 and 19, with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to the hospital where they are expected to recover. The names of the victims were not released.
Atlanta Police Department’s Aggravated Assault Unit is investigating. If you have any information that can lead to the arrest of the shooter, please contact investigators.
Georgia Negligent Security Law
Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of a property, potentially leading to injuries. Common examples include inadequate lighting in parking lots, unrepaired door locks, or insufficient security personnel.
In Georgia, state law mandates that property owners provide appropriate security measures in areas with a high likelihood of criminal activity. These safety requirements may include visible security cameras, on-site security guards, fences with controlled access gates, or staffed guard stations at parking garages and entrances.
A History of Crime at the Villages at Carver Apartments
Recent online reviews left for the management team and owners of The Villages at Carver show how unsafe it has become for residents and guests. “Cars get broken into every night,” writes one resident who also points out that, “the gates are always open and broken.” This has led to “random shootings” becoming all too common, they stated.
Another resident confirms, “gate broken, gun shots almost every night,” they say. “This place needs help ASAP.” “You will risk your life if you move here. Don’t do it,” warns another resident who declares it “needs to be shut down immediately.”
Crime at The Villages at Carver has been regularly reported by the news. In May 2024, a woman was hospitalized after a bullet came through the window of her apartment and struck her. In June of 2023, two men were shot, one fatally, at the complex.
In 2022, we reported on the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy at the The Villages at Carver apartments. Earlier that year 17-year-old JaMarquez McCrary and 18-year-old Nyriek Olds were shot and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. In January 2022, 30-year-old Oumar Mbodj was shot at the apartment complex and died after being transported to the hospital. Additionally, in August 2021, a teenager was shot while asleep in his apartment at the complex and a bystander was shot in a separate incident.
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, apartment owners are required to take basic measures to protect residents and visitors by safeguarding their properties from crime. While law enforcement can apprehend suspects and pursue criminal charges, ultimately police lack the authority to compel property owners to enhance safety protocols or compensate victims.
When individuals fall victim to shootings and other violent crimes on these properties, or their families are impacted, they must independently file lawsuits against the property owners to seek financial compensation. Such compensation can cover expenses like medical bills and lost wages, but it cannot fully alleviate the emotional toll of these traumatic incidents.
Importantly, the prospect of facing substantial financial payouts may serve as a deterrent, motivating property owners and managers to bolster security measures. By seeking justice from the property owner, families not only protect the community but also reinforce the critical role of accountability in ensuring a safer living environment for all residents.
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.
