The Legal Herald
(Click2Houston News)
Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Detroit Man Killed in 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 may have a claim for compensation.
Local News
23-year-old Jamil Melvay Penix, of Detroit, was reportedly shot and killed outside the Kings Row apartment complex in Houston Monday, May 23, 2016.
Gunfire erupted in the Barberry Drive apartment complex parking lot, shortly after 9:30 p.m. HPD reports, “tenants of the Kings Row Apartments…saw Mr. Penix working on a music video at the apartment complex” prior to the shooting. According to the news story, “[w]itnesses reported hearing several gunshots and then found [Mr.] Penix lying in the parking lot on the east side of the complex.”
Police have not yet identified a suspect or motive in the assault, presumably leaving residents once again concerned for their safety. Media reports indicate the property has a history of violence, including shootings in March 2014 and January 2013.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. Given the reported history of gun-related violence, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this unconscionable attack may have been prevented.
- How did the assailant gain entry to the property? What security measures, such as gated entry, bright lighting, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to protect residents at the time of the shooting?
- Following any prior incidents of violence on or near property, were any additional security precautions implemented by the property owner 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 Jamil Melvay Penix 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.
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.
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.
