Negligent Security? Our Legal Take: Father Killed in Lakeland Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to the death of this young father? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victim’s family may have a legal avenue for justice and claim for compensation.
Local News
21-year-old Jean Makenson Desroche was reportedly shot and killed outside the Lakewood Terrace Apartments in Lakeland Sunday morning, October 9, 2016.
According to Bay News 9, “officers received reports of shots fired at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments on W. 14th Street. Upon arrival, investigators said they found [Mr.] Desroche, 21, lying on the ground next to his car.” Mr. Desroche leaves behind a 9-month-old baby girl, News 9 reports. Police have not yet identified a suspect or motive in his death.
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 tragic loss of life may have been prevented.
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How did a gunman gain entry to the complex? What security measures, such as bright lighting, gated-entry, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to deter crime at the time of the shooting?
- October 2016 crime reports, from Spotcrime.com, reveal a number of robberies and assaults in the surrounding area. Was the apartment complex aware of any prior criminal activity on or near the property? If so, were additional security precautions implemented by the property owner or management to protect residents?
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 Jean Makenson Desroche 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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