Police Looking for Witnesses in Shooting Death of Teenager at Walton Village apartments

Could the Walton Village apartment owners be found partially civilly liable in the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Grayson Green while on the premises?

Police are searching for witnesses to the May 21, 2022, deadly shooting that occurred during a large graduation party in the gated Marietta apartment community of Walton Village. Grayson Green, a 17-year-old boy, was shot and left for dead at the gathering.

According to neighbors, an estimated 200 teens were gathered at the complex during the party which turned deadly. Police have released new bodycam and surveillance cam footage they hope will help identify potential witnesses.

Law enforcement believes the Walton Village gathering was related to a party held at an Airbnb outside the city. Investigators say that social media posts led the teenagers to the apartment complex where the party continued until gunfire rang out. Police are asking any of the teens that witnessed the shooting to come forward with information that could lead to an arrest.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Georgia state law requires apartment owners to take sufficient security precautions if crime at the property can be reasonably foreseen. Landlords and property managers may be pushed to implement reasonable security measures, such as conspicuous surveillance cameras, on-site security, perimeter fencing with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate, to address crime in the community.

The good news is that it has been shown that in apartment complexes where there are visible security cameras, functional access-controlled gates, secure perimeter fencing, adequate lighting, and, when the presence of criminal activity calls for it, private security guards can reduce violent crime.

A History of Negligence at the Walton Village Apartments

Residents have left online reviews with a list of complaints. Reviews point out poor maintenance and bug infestation problems. “I’ve called for over 6 months for a noise complaint and [apartment staff] was too lazy to do anything,” said one reviewer who also pointed out that the manager is never available.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Property owners in Georgia are required by law to take reasonable precautions against predictable crimes. Landlords often end up promoting a cycle of violence if they fail to address criminal activity that is taking place in the community.

While law enforcement can apprehend and prosecute criminals, there isn't much police can do to force property owners to take steps to prevent crime on their property – nor can they make amends to the victims' families.

Only the survivors of violent crime, or the victim's family, can file a civil lawsuit against landlords and apartment managers. A civil judgment can help with costs like medical bills and missed wages as well as serve as a starting point toward healing, even if it would never be able to completely make up for the suffering brought on by violent crime.

Importantly, when crime victims are awarded significant financial compensation, property owners and managers may feel pressured to adopt precautions necessary to deter future violent crimes on their property.

Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.