The Legal Herald
(WCPO News 9)
Negligent Security? Read Our Legal Take: 1 Killed in Westwood Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to the fatal shooting 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
25-year-old Willie T. Miller, III was shot and killed outside the Ferncrest Apartments in Westwood Thursday morning, June 30, 2016.
According to WCPO News 9, Cincinnati Police discovered Mr. Miller “inside a building entryway at the Ferncrest Apartments on Ferncrest Court.” Witnesses apparently told media, a vehicle “pulled up next to the victim in the parking lot and someone got out of the back seat and fired at [Mr.] Miller multiple times.”
Police have not yet identified suspects or a motive in the shooting.
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 shooting may have been prevented.
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June 2016 Crime Map (spotcrime.com)
How did the gunman and vehicle gain access to the property? What security measures, such as gated entry, bright lighting, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to protect residents and guests at the time of the shooting?
- June 2016 crime reports from Spotcrime.com reveal a number of assaults and burglaries 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 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 Willie T. Miller, III 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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