Is Justice Available? Armstrong Seme, Innocent Bystander, Loses Life in Hickory, NC Apartment Complex Shooting; Jalen Shade Injured.

Did negligent security contribute to the shooting death at a Hickory apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family?  Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

LOCAL NEWS

One person is dead and another was injured after a shooting at a Hickory, NC apartment complex early Sunday morning, September 27, 2020.  

As reported by WSOCtv.com, “[the shooting] happened just before 2:30 a.m. at…Apartments along 3rd Avenue SE in Hickory.”

According to the report, “[w]hen [officers] got to the apartment complex, they found 20-year-old Armstrong Seme injured from several gunshot wounds. Catawba County EMS took Seme to the hospital” but, tragically, he was unable to recover from his injuries.

Fox46.com is reporting, “Hickory resident Jalen Shade, 28, was also found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.”

According to the report, “[a]n initial investigation showed three men were outside…[the] Apartments and a conversation took place between Shade and the men before shots were fired. Seme was an innocent bystander and was in the area when the gunfire broke out.”

The investigation is ongoing.

OUR LEGAL TAKE

Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the apartment complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented.  The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:

• What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
• Have there been prior incidents of violence on the property, and were any security measures added after any prior incidents?
• Was the complex aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting? 

Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises.  Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the apartment complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the family of Armstrong Seme may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, Jalen Shade may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed.  The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Armstrong Seme and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS

The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence.  We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.

We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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