The Legal Chronicle
Jamel Howell Killed in Portsmouth Apartment Complex Shooting. (WAVY.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting deaths at a Portsmouth apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire erupted at a Portsmouth, Virginia apartment complex Tuesday night, Aug 6, 2019, leaving one man dead.
As reported by WAVY.com, “[p]olice were called to the 30 block of Pebble Point Court – at…Apartments [at that location] – around 11:30 p.m.”
When officers arrived they found “the body of Jamel Howell,” who had been shot to death.
13NewsNow.com is reporting, “[d]etectives with the Portsmouth Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit charged [a suspect] with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.”
The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
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 apartment 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 there been prior incidents of violence on the property, and, if so, were any security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the complex aware of any suspicious activity or suspicious people on property prior to the shooting?
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 apartment complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the family of Jamel Howell may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
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 Jamel Howell retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including 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.
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