The Legal Herald
(KXAN News)
Fatal Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: 1 Killed in East Austin Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to the death of this young man? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victim’s family may have a legal avenue for justice and a claim for compensation.
Local News
28-year-old Alfred Matthews was reportedly shot and killed at the Park Place at Loyola apartment complex Monday, July 18, 2016.
According to KXAN News, Austin police were “originally called out to the Park Place at Loyola apartment complex at 6200 Loyola Lane just after 11:30 a.m. Monday for a fight involving multiple people in the parking lot of the complex. When they arrived at the scene, they found a black man in his 20s with a gunshot wound.”
The victim, since identified by KXAN as Alfred Matthews, was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to fatal injuries.
Another fatal East Austin apartment shooting apparently claimed the life of 38-year-old Maria Ferrer-Mena in June, per KXAN reports.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this unconscionable attack may have been prevented.
- Was apartment security and management aware of the initial parking lot altercation? What security measures were in place to protect residents at the time of the shooting?
- Was apartment management aware of the parking lot fight? If so, were any efforts made by the apartment complex to call police or deescalate the situation prior to violence?
- Was the apartment complex owner or management aware of prior crime on or near property? If so, were any additional security measures implemented to deter crime?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment complex owner or management company failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of Alfred Matthews may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim’s family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
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The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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