Taurus Jefferies killed at Ellington Apartments

Could the owners of the Ellington Apartments be civilly liable in the murder of Taurus Jefferies?

Police responded to the Ellington Apartments in the early afternoon after shots were fired.  When the officers arrived, they did not find a victim at the scene.  They later discovered that the victim in the shooting, 25-year-old Taurus Jefferies, drove himself to the hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.  The investigation is ongoing and the authorities have not released the names of any potential suspects at this time.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

When property owners ignore repeated criminal incidents 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 Ellington Apartments

Online reviews express concerns over security and maintenance.  The two are intertwined, as a manager who turns a blind eye to maintenance issues could be ignoring obvious security concerns.  One review writes “there is no sense of urgency around maintenance requests . . . the gates remain open after business hours.”  Another review begins, “[t]his complex is a disaster and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”  One resident writes “my storage room has been broken into and because there are no cameras near I’m taking a tremendous los[s] of items and personal important papers.”  

Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice

Apartment managers who turn a blind eye to the crime infecting their community may be held liable in a civil lawsuit.  Though the criminal investigation might find the perpetrator and bring them to justice, it will do little to affect a community in the grips of crime.  The families of victims, and the survivors of violent crime can bring suit in a civil court.  A monetary judgment cannot restore life to a lost loved one, but it can be used to supplement lost income, pay funeral expenses, and relieve debts left behind.  Perhaps more importantly, a monetary judgment may incentivize landlords to finally make the changes they need to protect their residents.  In this way, together, we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.