Kolby Price, 22, shot and killed at Nirvana at Glenrose Apartments in Atlanta

Could the shooting death of Kolby Price at the Nirvana at Glenrose apartments be the offshoot of negligent security by the building's owners?

Law enforcement responded to the Nirvana at Glenrose apartments in Atlanta, Georgia and found the body of 22-year-old Kolby Price, who had been shot multiple times. Price was pronounced dead at the scene.

There are few other details about the violent incident and homicide investigators with the Atlanta Police Department are working to establish what led up to the shooting. Please get in touch with the APD if you were a witness or have any leads.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

According to Georgia state law, apartment owners must take appropriate security precautions if it is reasonable to expect criminal activity on the property. Landlords may be obligated 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 evidence has shown that violent crime can be reduced in apartment buildings with visible security cameras, functioning access-controlled gates, secure perimeter fencing, adequate illumination, and, when the need arises, private security guards.

A History of Negligence at the Nirvana at Glenrose Apartments

In February 2019 a teenager was found shot dead in a car parked on the property, which was then known as Crystal Apartments. In 2022, two more shootings at the apartment complex left at least two victims wounded.

Residents have left online reviews with a list of security and maintenance related problems at the complex. One resident states they are dealing with bad pipes, a rusty tub, and unfinished floors. There are “shootings every night,” they wrote with “no security” and “no help in the office.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

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

Although law enforcement 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 those who have survived a violent crime or the victim's family are eligible to file a civil lawsuit against landlords and apartment management. Even though it will never fully compensate for the anguish caused by violent crime, a civil judgment can help with expenditures like medical bills and lost wages as well as serve as a starting point for recovery.

It is important to recognize that property owners and managers frequently feel the pressure to take the necessary steps to avoid future violent crimes on their property when crime victims receive significant financial damages.

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