The Legal Herald
(The Advocate)
Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Southern University Students Killed in Baton Rouge Apartment Shooting
Local News
Southern University students, Lashuntae Benton and Annette January, were reportedly killed in a fatal shooting outside The Cottages apartment complex in Baton Rouge Sunday, April 10, 2016 according to The Advocate.com.
According to News 10, “members of the track team were having a party at the apartment complex when the shooting occurred.” A previous altercation between two men apparently erupted into an “exchange of gunfire” at the complex, amid the gathering of party-goers. Police believe the victims were simply “innocent bystanders” tragically caught in the crossfire.
Police have reportedly made an arrest in the case.
Our Legal Take
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. While relieved the alleged assailant may be facing charges, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- How did the gunmen gain entry to the property? What security measures, such as gated entry, bright lighting, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place at the time of the shooting to protect residents and guests?
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on or near property and, if so, were any additional security precautions implemented by the complex owner or management to deter crime?
Generally, apartment 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 families of Lashuntae Benton and Annette January may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their wrongful deaths.
Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims’ families retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim. Based upon its prior successful experience in handling apartment security negligence claims, 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.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Apartment Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
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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