19-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed at the Park at Leeds Apartments

Will the owners The Park at Leeds apartments be found at least partially civilly liable in the shooting death of 19-year-old Kiyre Allen on the premises?

Police say a mass shooting occurred at The Park at Leeds apartments in Atlanta, Georgia on August 13, 2022. According to Clayton County Police Captain Chris Windley, a fight between two groups of people led to gunfire. Four people were wounded and one lost their life to senseless gun violence.

The victim, 19-year-old Kiyre Allen, was visiting with a group of friends when gun fire erupted. Kiyrie, had recently graduated from Creekside High School in May where he was voted Mr. Creekside by his peers.

Family and friends of Kiyre Allen recently held a march and balloon release at the apartment complex. The victim’s mother, Catrice Allen, said the event was not just for her son, but to remember others who’ve lost their lives to gun violence.

Allen’s mom told the press that she wants justice. "I want gun violence to end…my son is not the only one that suffered."

Police are still looking for suspects and asking any witnesses to come forward.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

When apartment owners brush off potential criminal activity, maintenance issues, or security threats, and fail to take critical steps to protect residents and visitors from those dangers, they could be fomenting a situation that attracts more crime. Landlords in Georgia are required to adopt reasonable security measures to prevent potential crimes, and they risk legal repercussions if they don't.

It has been shown that when apartment complexes install visible security cameras, secure perimeter fencing with working access-controlled gates, install adequate lighting, and, when the presence of criminal activity warrants, hire a private security guard, then criminal activity is reduced.

A History of Crime at The Park at Leeds Apartments

Residents lament the poor lighting, pest infestations, and criminal activity in online reviews. “I feel as if this apartment is an unhealthy and unsafe place for myself and my young children to continue to live in,” a resident wrote about their experience dealing with constant gunshots, pest infestations, and trash that surrounds the apartment building.

Another reviewer noted how much they regret moving there after they had “someone go inside my apartment and take my 60 inch TVs” but the apartment management “refused to view the surveillance camera.”

One resident states there are “always gunshots going off.” The same reviewer warns, “rent at your own risk.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Georgia law mandates that property owners take reasonable precautions to deter foreseeable crimes. Landlords may be encouraging the cycle of violence by ignoring criminal activity that is taking place in the neighborhood.

While the authorities can arrest criminals and put them in jail, there isn't much they can do to pressure property owners to take steps to prevent crime on their property – nor can they compensate the victims' families.

Only the survivors of violent crime, or the victim's family, can file a civil lawsuit against apartment owners. Even though it will never be able to fully make up for the suffering brought on by a violent criminal attack, a civil judgment can assist with expenses like medical bills and lost income as well as act as a starting point toward healing for the victim and their family.

Importantly, property owners and managers may feel pressure to take the required steps to prevent such violent crimes on their property when crime victims receive significant financial compensation.

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