One dead, one wounded after double shooting at Auburn Glenn Apartments

Would a civil court find the owners of Auburn Glenn Apartments liable in the tragic double shooting on their premises?

Police responded to a call at Auburn Glenn Apartments on April 22, 2022.  On the scene they found two people suffering from gunshots who were rushed to a local hospital.  One of the victims died from his wounds, while the condition of the survivor has not been released.  The names of the victims, as well as any possible suspects, have not been released by the authorities. 

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 Auburn Glenn

In 2015, 22-year-old Ashley Belle was murdered by her girlfriend at the Auburn Glenn Apartments. 

Online reviews describe resident concerns over security issues.  “They need to seriously get their security personnel together,” writes one review.  “My car was broken into twice and ‘security’ was nowhere to be found . . . the gates are always broken and random people are in the halls,” writes another.  “They are a gated community but your car WILL get broken into even if its gated because it's a lot of people just entering the building who don’t stay here,” states one review.  One review writes, in full, “[s]ecurity is going to be the downfall of this place.” 

Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice

When apartment managers turn a blind eye to the crime infecting their community, they may be held liable in a civil lawsuit.  While the police may apprehend the perpetrator and bring them to justice, they can do little to deter landlords from allowing crime into their communities and creating havens for violent criminals.  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.