Double Fatal Shooting at the Riverwood Townhouses Apartments

Could the owners of the Riverwood Townhouses be partially to blame for a double murder at the apartments?

Two people were found dead this week at the Riverwood Townhouses apartment complex in the Jonesboro area. Police responded to the scene after reports of a shooting at the premises. Upon arrival, they found two people dead in the front yard of one of the buildings in the complex.

Clayton County police are investigating the incident, but have not released any information on the victims. They are working to identify a suspect. Investigators are asking for anyone who may have details or was a witness to the shooting to contact the police.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

If it is reasonable to expect crime on the premises, Georgia state law compels apartment owners to implement reasonable security measures. 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 community.

The good news is evidence suggests that installing visible security cameras, working access-controlled gates, safe perimeter fencing, enough lighting, and hiring private security guards when necessary can minimize violent crime in apartment complexes.

A History of Negligence at the Riverwood Townhouses Apartments

In August 2021, there was another double shooting at the apartment complex. Both men were taken to the hospital in critical condition. In 2017, a resident of the complex shot a neighbor multiple times.

Residents have posted online reviews with a list of complaints about safety and maintenance issues. “Maintenance gets mad about doing his job,” said one reviewer who also warns that Riverwood Townhouses are the “worse place ever.”

Another resident states it is a “bad place to be after dark” as they point out “drug activity going on” along with robberies and car jackings.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Property owners in Georgia are required by law to take precautions against foreseeable crimes. Landlords frequently end up promoting a cycle of violence if they don't address criminal activity that is going on in the vicinity.

Although law enforcement can find criminals and bring them to justice, there isn't much they can do to make property owners take precautions against crime on their property, and they are unable to make fiscal 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. 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.

Notably, property owners and managers may feel compelled to take the steps needed to deter potential violent crimes on their property if crime victims receive a sizeable monetary judgment.

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