The Legal Herald
Makao Moore: Justice for Family? Fatally Injured in St. Louis, MO Office Building Shooting; Ten Others Injured. (Fox2Now.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting death at a St. Louis office building and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
One teen is dead and ten other people were injured after a shooting at a St. Louis, MO office building early Sunday morning, June 18, 2023.
As reported by STLtoday.com, “The incident started just after 1 a.m. Sunday morning.” Per the report, “[d]ozens of teens, both adults and juveniles, had gotten into the fifth floor of 1409 Washington Avenue, a loft building that had been converted into glass-walled suites, used in the workday as offices for tutoring centers and home health care providers and salons by hair stylists, makeup artists and massage therapists, among others.”
According to the report, “[w]hen the shooting broke out, police said, dozens of people surged out of the building onto an adjacent parking lot. Police entered the building and found the crime scene on the fifth floor. Officers recovered handguns, AR-style rifles and multiple types of shell casings.”
Fox2Now.com is reporting, “[a building tenant] said she’s been warning the landlord about security concerns in the weeks and months leading up to 10 teenagers being shot during a weekend party. One of the victims, later identified as 17-year-old Makao Moore, died. An eleventh victim, a 17-year-old female, was trampled while fleeing from the scene and suffered serious injuries to her spine.”
The investigation is ongoing.
IS JUSTICE AVAILABLE? OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the family of Makao Moore may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Makao Moore and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $125 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $125 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial 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.
How to Choose and Hire the Right Attorney (Click Here)