Deadly Shooting at The Royal Oaks Apartments is Latest Violent Incident at The Complex

Could the owners of the Royal Oaks apartments be found partially responsible for a fatal shooting that occurred there?

The Atlanta Police Department responded to a deadly shooting at the Royal Oaks apartment complex in southwest Atlanta on Friday night. Police say they found one man with a gunshot wound at the apartments.

Police did not provide a name, but said they were familiar with the victim. No arrests have been made at this point.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, if there is a reasonable chance that criminal activity will occur on the property, the owner of the apartment is required by law to implement security precautions. Landlords might be compelled to implement reasonable security measures like visible video cameras, on-site security, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate to reduce crime in the community.

The good news is that studies have demonstrated how violent crime may be reduced in apartment communities by using visible security cameras, functional access-controlled gates, secure perimeter fencing, adequate illumination, and, when necessary, private security guards.

A History of Negligence at the Royal Oaks Apartments

The Royal Oaks Apartments has a long history of negligence when it comes to security and violence at the complex.

• In December 2017, a woman was shot after she attempted to chase off a group of young men who were smoking marijuana near her apartment doorstep.
• In October 2020, a suspect wanted for the murder of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd was arrested at the apartment complex.
• In September 2021, a man was the victim of a deadly shooting on the property.

Just before the 2021 murder, the Royal Oaks complex was cited with 185 violations by the Atlanta Police Code Enforcement. Of the 185 violations cited, 67 were for exterior structural damage, 38 for interior damage, 42 for junk, trash and debris. Residents said the living conditions were inhumane.

As you would expect with that history, online reviews for Royal Oaks apartments are not good. One resident wrote, “If I could give 0 stars I would.” They added, “They will allow your apartment to flood and tell you it costs too much to fix the problem.”

Another reviewer writes, “Safety is a major concern.” They also note that “All buildings have mold” and suggests that “residents need to take these people to court or something.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Georgia law mandates that property owners take reasonable precautions against prospective crimes. If landlords ignore crime that has been occurring in the community, they frequently wind up encouraging a cycle of violence.

There may be little that law enforcement can do to force property owners to put security measures against crime on their land and they are unable to make reparations to the families of the victims. Law enforcement may be able to catch criminals and bring them to court.

Only those who have survived a violent crime or a victim's family are allowed to sue property owners in civil court. A civil judgment can assist with costs like medical bills and lost earnings as well as serve as a beginning point for healing, even if it will never entirely make up for the suffering brought on by violent crime.

It is important to realize that property owners and managers frequently feel obligated to take the steps necessary to stop future violent crimes on their property only after crime victims win against them in court.

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