Police Now Believe Allahnia Lenoir Was Victim of Murder at 1660 Peachtree Midtown Apartments

Could the owners of 1660 Peachtree Midtown apartments be found partially liable for the murder of Allahnia Lenoir at the premises?

Two months after 24-year-old Allahnia Lenoir went missing, investigators with the Atlanta Police now state she was murdered during a July 31 visit to the 1660 Peachtree Midtown Apartments.

Lenoir and a female friend were spotted on surveillance footage entering the apartment complex, but she was never seen leaving. Police now say they have enough evidence to support a claim that Lenoir was murdered in the apartment and the body disposed of.

Police identified two suspects in the case: Diante Reynolds and Steven Oboite, both 29. Reynolds is already in custody and police are asking for Oboite to turn himself in or for a lead as to his current location.

Family and friends of Lenoir have been searching for her since she went missing sharing their efforts on an Instagram account.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Georgia state law requires apartment owners to take adequate security precautions if crime at the property can be reasonably anticipated. Landlords and property managers may be obliged 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 complex.

The good news is that it has been shown that in apartment communities 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 1660 Peachtree Midtown Apartments

Residents have left online reviews with a list of complaints, even pointing out that apartment management is offering incentives for good reviews.

Reviews point out poor maintenance and safety issues. “I regularly find doors that are accessible only to residents propped open by something so anyone can walk in and out,” said one resident who also pointed out that a bullet came through their window. They continued, “Maintenance does not take care of the grounds, so it’s always kind of disgusting.”

Another resident pointed out that, “the main gate is always broken/open.” They report that access to the apartments is easy because the garage gate “has a major security flaw and a side door that leads to the loading dock is always open as well.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Georgia law requires property owners to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. If landlords do not confront criminal activity that is occurring in the community, they frequently wind up encouraging a cycle of violence.

Although police can find criminals and bring them to justice, there isn't much they can do to compel property owners to take precautions against crime on their property, and they are unable to make amends to the families of the victims.

Only the survivors of violent crime, or the victim's family, can file a civil lawsuit against apartment owners and 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, property owners and managers may feel an obligation to take the steps needed to deter potential violent crimes on their property if crime victims receive a sizeable financial judgment.

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