Anthony Hammond dead in shooting at Eagle’s Run Apartments

Could the owners of Eagle’s Run be civilly liable in the fatal shooting of Anthony Hammond on their premises?

Tanya Brown has been taken into custody by police after a deadly shooting at the Eagle’s Run apartment complex in DeKalb County.  Shortly before midnight on April 18, 2022, police responded to the complex and found Anthony Hammond dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.  Police have not revealed any further details surrounding the incident.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Property owners who turn a blind eye to crime on their premises may be inviting more severe infractions by their negligence.  In Georgia, a landlord may be held civilly liable for violent crimes on their property if they fail to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes.  Installing perimeter fencing with automatic gates, ensuring adequate lighting, placing visible security cameras, and even hiring onsite security are all examples of measures which may be deemed reasonable under the circumstances. 

A History of Crime at Eagle’s Run Apartments

In May, 2021, a man and a woman were injured in a shooting at the Eagles Run Apartments, which left the police searching for multiple suspects.  

Online reviews detail the concerns of residents over security.  “These apartments need to be shut down,” begins one such review, “these apartments aren’t safe for small children or people living alone.”  Another states, simply, “let’s not even mention the crime rate here.”  One reviewer writes “there have been multiple shots fired and shootings. One was right behind my building that left cars and apartments bullet riddled.  I do not recommend Eagle’s Run to anybody.”

Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice

When apartment managers turn a blind eye to security issues on their premises, they are creating conditions which invite additional criminal activity.  While law enforcement can deal with the fallout and has apprehended the individual perpetrator of this violent crime, there is little they can do about the conditions present which give rise to criminal activity.  Under Georgia law, however, negligent landlords can be held accountable in a civil court.  The family of the victim may win a monetary judgment.  While such a judgment will not bring their loved ones back it can pay funeral expenses, replace lost income, and provide funds for relocating to a safer area.  Perhaps more importantly, such a judgment can incentivize landlords to make the changes necessary to keep their properties safe for all residents.  In this way, together, we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.