The Legal Herald
(Fox 7 News)
Sufficient Security? Our Legal Take: Austin Police Search for Possible Serial Rapist
Local News
Austin police are reportedly searching for a sexual predator who has been attacking women in and around apartment complexes in north Austin over the last two months.
Fox News 7 reports, police are searching for a “potential serial rapist” in the six cases of sexual assault, or attempted sexual assault, which have occurred in the north Austin area over the last month and a half.
“It’s happening in open areas of apartment complexes,” explained Fox 7’s Elizabeth Saab.
The attacks have apparently occurred near: Highway 290 and US 183, Duval Road and Floral Park, Northgate Boulevard, Santa Cruz Drive, and Jollyville Road.
Police met with community members Tuesday night, February 9, 2016 to explain what they’re doing to find this attacker and to provide safety tips for local residents. However, it’s unclear what local apartment complex owners are doing to protect residents and deter such crime.
Our Legal Take
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. Given the recent rash of apartment assaults plaguing the north Austin area, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at these apartment complexes, and whether any of these attacks may have been prevented.
- Following reports of local apartment assaults, were any security precautions implemented by the apartment complex owners or managers to deter such crime?
- How did the assailant gain entry to the property? What security measures, such as bright lighting, gated-entry, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were in place to protect residents and guests at the time of the attacks?
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 any of the apartment complex owners or managers 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 and suffering.
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. Based upon its prior 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.
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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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Following a recent rash of apartment complex sexual assaults plaguing the north Austin community, the APD has released safety tips for apartment residents and guests to follow and protect themselves from potential attackers.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe properties, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Clients.