Innocent Mail Carrier, Bystander Injured in Crossfire at The Commons Apartments

When a beloved mail carrier and another bystander are wounded by stray bullets, it raises concerns about the security failures that allowed a shootout to occur in a residential apartment community.

According to WXSB-TV, a resident at The Commons Apartments, formerly known as Allen Hills, told reporters, “The mail lady got shot and she wasn’t involved in anything.” The mail lady is Nelly Jones, who had been delivering mail to the community for sometime and was well-known by the residents. A man, who was not far from Jones when the gunfire broke out around 5:45 p.m. on December 13, was also struck by a bullet.

Police are looking for the people responsible for the gunfire. Unfortunately, in many cases, the perpetrators of gun violence in Atlanta are never discovered and brought to justice, but that doesn’t mean there is no justice for the victims of violent crimes.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

When property owners ignore obvious criminal behavior and fail to take efforts to keep control of who has access to their property, they may be creating an environment that invites additional crime. Under Georgia law, property owners may be held liable if they do not take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. Visible cameras, perimeter fencing with access-controlled gates, adequate lighting, and when justified by the level of crime, the presence of a private security guard have been shown to help deter violent crime.

A History of Crime at The Commons (Allen Hills) Apartments

The Commons Apartments, formerly known as Allen Hills, has a well-documented history of violent crime on the premises. Neighbors told reporters that prior to the incident that wounded Jones, “shootings have been out of control.”

Atlanta Police are in the midst of an ongoing investigation after three people were injured in a shooting at the Commons on November 28, 2021. When officers responded to the scene they found a young boy and a man who had sustained gunshot wounds. They later found a third man who was also inflicted with a gunshot a quarter of a mile away. All three victims were taken to a local hospital and their names and conditions have not been released by authorities.

Online reviews speak of resident concerns over maintenance, insects, and, above all, crime. One resident states that the complex is the “worst ever place to live,” and “the 15-year-olds own guns and they use them too.” He also complains of roaches, bedbugs, and rats. One single-word review states only: “drugs.” Another resident specifically cites that “there needs to be more security,” and that a “curfew needs to be enforced.” A local guide writes, simply, “a scary place to live.”

Two years ago, residents sued the complex for poor living conditions, focused on a rodent problem on the premises.

Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice

Property managers are required by law to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. It is up to the families of victims of violent crime to stand up to property owners and demand accountability in a court of law. By filing a lawsuit in the civil justice system, victims of violent crimes and their families can seek compensation for damages. In some cases where victims are awarded a significant amount of money, it can cause property owners and managers to make significant security enhancements to prevent future violence on their properties. If we can compel landlords to improve security on their properties, then we can help Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.