The Legal Herald
(WMC NEWS 5)
Apartment Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Man Shot, Killed in Apartment Robbery
Local News UPDATE
Police have allegedly made an arrest in the murder of an individual who was fatally shot in a Prescott Place apartment robbery Sunday morning, August 16, 2015.
According to WMC News 5, “[t]he shooting happened in the Prescott Place Apartments located in the 1700 block of Morlye Street.” The news story indicates that, per neighbors, the victim “returned from getting groceries to find two men in his apartment’s parking lot” shortly before noon. The news story further reports that “the victim went up the stairs to his home and was approached by the men, who demanded he open the door and tried to rob him. When he refused, they pointed a gun at him and when he still refused to open the door, they shot him.” The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a white car, opening fire on neighbors who heroically tried to block the apartment complex entrance.
Per media reports, gunfire has become a “daily” occurrence along Prescott Street. Neighbors are now calling on community leaders to increase law enforcement in their neighborhood.
Our Legal Take
Recent crime reports indicate other reported criminal activity in the area of this tragic incident, including multiple assaults, robberies and thefts. As police continue to search for suspects, and in light of the prior reports of violence, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a potential apartment security lapse may hold some responsibility in this shooting.
August Crime Map (spotcrime.com)
How did the gunmen gain entry to the apartment complex parking lot? What property access-controls, such as gated-entry, fencing, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to deter crime at the time of the shooting?
- How many prior incidents of violence have occurred on or near the property?
- What increased security precautions, if any, have been implemented by the Prescott Place apartment complex owner and management to protect residents and guests?
By law, 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 victim’s family may elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death. Under such a claim, the victim’s family may be entitled to substantial compensation for their loss.
Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim 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 in the Memphis area, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a through, 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 extensive and successful experience in representing victims of gun violence and apartment security negligence. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Hablamos Español
La Firma del Abogado Murray, extensiva y exitosamente ha representado familias que han perdido seres queridos como consecuencia de ataques violentos en apartamentos y propiedades negligentes, si lo desea, le ofrecemos nuestros servicios y experiencia. A quien busque ayuda o representación legal, le alentamos que se contacte con nosotros (haga clic aquí) al 888.842.1616. La consulta no cuesta nada y es confidencial.
____________________________________________________________________
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.