Two Men Critically Injured in Shooting at Riverwood Townhouses

Could reasonable security measures have prevented gun violence from occurring at this Clayton County apartment complex?

Clayton County police are investigating after finding two men shot and left for dead in front of Riverwood Townhouses. Jordan Parrish, a Clayton County Police spokesperson, said officers responded around 2:30 a.m. at the 600 block of Flint River Road, after a report of gunfire. As of yet, police are still in the early stages of the investigation and are unaware of what prompted the incident. Police are not releasing the victims' identities yet.

Under Georgia state law, property owners have a responsibility to their tenants to keep their communities safe. If crime is a foreseeable issue on the property, these landlords and property managers are required to take reasonable measures to prevent crime. Installing security cameras, proper fencing, hiring security, and ensuring that the complex has adequate lighting are all examples of measures that might be reasonable measures to take to prevent crime.

A recent review of the Riverwood Townhouses describes a firearm being discharged in the middle of the night. Other reviews describe a complex as “not the safest place to live” and a "bad place to be after dark." One review reports drug activity, robbery, and carjacking.

In communities across Georgia, landlords may not be taking the precautions they need to keep their tenants safe. It is up to the survivors of violent crime -- and the families of the victims -- to use the civil justice system to make these landlords meet their obligations and take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crime. Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.