Laron Benjamin found dead in Highland Village apartments

Could the owners of Highland Village apartments be liable in the fatal shooting found by their maintenance worker?

Laron Benjamin, a resident of Highland Village, was found dead in his apartment on October 5, after sustaining at least a single gunshot wound. The discovery was made around 2:30 PM, and the victim was identified by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s office. Police are still investigating, and few other details have been released.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, there are laws which require landlords and owners of properties to make reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. Some of these measures, such as adequate lighting and visible security cameras, help deter crime; others, such as gated fencing and on-site security can discourage criminals from trespassing on the property.

A History of Neglect at Highland Village Apartments

Online reviews seem to indicate disinterested and absent management. One resident claims that a unit “burned down because of [the] A/C.” Another complains that after his A/C went down “no one came to fix it.” A resident complains that the “leasing office [is] very rude … my apartment flooded … price is going up $95 plus keep the mildewed carpet.” Some light is shed on problems with maintenance when one resident noted that “management changes like your clothes.” When management neglects or fails to address obvious maintenance issues, it is likely they are ignoring obvious security concerns as well.

Families of Victims Can Demand Justice

When foreseeable crime occurs that could have been prevented by reasonable measures, the owners and managers can be held liable for the damages. It is up to the families of the victims and the survivors of violent crime to demand justice in the civil court system. Only then will distant or negligent landlords have the motivation they need to make the necessary changes to their properties. Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.