The Legal Herald
(Houston Chronicle)
Parking Lot Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Fatal Houston 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 claim for compensation.
Local News
21-year-old Cedric Allen Fields was reportedly shot and killed in the parking lot of the Crystal Springs Apartments Thursday morning, June 23, 2016.
The Houston Chronicle reports, “Officers who responded to a report of a shooting found the victim lying on the ground in the parking lot of the Crystal Springs apartment complex at about 4:45 a.m.” Mr. Fields apparently succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene.
Investigators have not yet identified a suspect or motive, presumably leaving residents concerned for the safety of their families. According to ABC 13 News, a fatal double shooting reportedly occurred “at the Crystal Springs apartment complex” in April 2015.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. Given the history of crime on property as reported by ABC 13, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this shooting may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as gated entry, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to protect residents and guests at the time of the shooting?
- Was the complex aware of any prior incidents of violence 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 Cedric Allen Fields 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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