Sufficient Security? Our Legal Take: 2 Injured in Columbus Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to this horrific apartment shooting? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victims may have a claim for substantial compensation.
Local News
21-year-old Johnny Lopez and 22-year-old Ryan Kelly were reportedly shot and injured during an apartment home invasion on W Northwood Avenue Wednesday afternoon, April 27, 2016.
The Columbus Dispatch reports, a male gunman “went to an apartment in the building, knocked on the door and opened fire on Lopez and Kelly.” Both Mr. Lopez and Mr. Kelly were transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
Police have not yet identified a suspect. They believe the crime “to be robbery-related,” per Columbus Dispatch reports.
“Those who live on Northwood say they were shocked by such a violent crime. They tell ABC 6 that property crimes have been on the rise, including car burglaries, vandalism, and home break-ins,” Fox 28 reports.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. Given recent reports of area crime, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this horrific assault may have been prevented.
- How did the gunman gain entry to the property? What security measures, such as ID-controlled entry, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place at the time of the shooting?
- Were any additional security precautions implemented by the property owner, following recent local crime reports, to deter crime and protect residents?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all residents legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the complex owner or management company failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the victims may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for their injuries.
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 victims 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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