Shooting at the Residence at Riverside Results in Death of Teenager

A shooting at the Residence at Riverside has left property owners exposed to civil premises liability.

Cobb County police responded to reports of gunfire at the Residence at Riverside Apartments, where a 17-year-old was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Local news reported the victim as Kenneth Collier Jr, an anti-gun violence advocate. Compounding the tragedy for his family, the victim's mother was killed herself in a shooting right before his 10th birthday.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and police ask that anyone with information important to the case contact the Cobb police department.

How Does Negligent Security Law Take Effect?

In Georgia, property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors by protecting their property from foreseeable criminal activity. This is especially true of complexes with a demonstrated history of crime.

When the responsible parties fail to act–whether by neglecting to maintain proper lighting, leaving broken fences or gates unrepaired, or failing to post security on property grounds–they can be held liable under negligent security laws in Georgia.

If apartment property owners take protective measures, they can reduce the likelihood of criminal activity. These include: installing surveillance cameras, implementing gated entryways, or ensuring proper lighting throughout the complex.

New Management, Same Problems: History of Crime at the Residence at Riverside

In the Online Reviews for Residence at Riverside, residents explain that even with “new owners” the conditions of the complex are unlivable. One resident warns others, “do not rent from this place!!” Another resident claims that the owners of this property don’t care about it, stating “It’s broken down and the majority of the units are not in livable conditions.”

Yet another resident believes through their research that the new owners who took over in the past two to three years have been “shut down by the state of Georgia several times due to malpractice.” The complex, located at 360 Riverside Pkwy, may have been formally called Parkview Apartments, which reported 113 crimes from 2017 through July 2023.

Demanding Justice and Holding Owners Accountable

In Georgia, property owners are legally required to protect the safety of everyone on their premises. While law enforcement can investigate and enforce Georgia law when crime occurs, they cannot force owners to take action to improve the safety of their property.

Instead, when someone becomes the victim of a violent crime, or a relative is affected by these violent crimes, they must pursue legal action themselves. This means filing a civil lawsuit against the property owner for their inaction and negligence. The victims may receive financial compensation which can be used to cover medical costs or loss of income. What can’t be covered, however, is the emotional and mental scarring that comes from these crimes.

Consequently, legal action can serve as a powerful motivator for property owners to address safety concerns before something happens. The chance of facing significant financial consequences encourages owners to invest in better security measures and take proactive steps to deter future crime. By demanding justice, victims can help protect not only themselves but their communities as well.

Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.