The Legal Chronicle
(Asheville Citizen Times)
Could the tragic death of this young boy have been prevented and is justice available to his family?
Local News
Security measures are in question after 12-year-old Derrick LaQuinn Lee, Jr. was shot and killed outside an Asheville apartment complex Sunday, July 1, 2018.
According to FOX Carolina, officers responded to “Lee Walker Heights around 3 a.m. where they found two male victims, ages 12 and 18, suffering from gunshot wounds.” Both were transported to Mission Hospital, where young Derrick LaQuinn Lee, Jr. tragically succumbed to fatal injuries. The teenage victim’s identity and current condition have not been released.
The tragedy “was the second fatal shooting in Lee Walker Heights in about as many months,” according to Asheville Citizen Times reports. “In late April, 21-year-old Devron Jervay Harvin was killed there” and a “24-year-old man was shot in Lee Walker Heights” in May.
Did negligent security contribute to the senseless loss of a child and the injury of an Asheville teen? We represent individuals and families who have suffered a tragic loss or injury as a consequence of negligent property security. Read Our Legal Take below to find out if Derrick Lee’s family may have a legal avenue for justice and claims for substantial compensation in North Carolina, or call now for a free consultation with our legal team: 888.842.1616.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided on the property and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What additional security measures, such as bright lighting, gated-entry, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were implemented by the apartment complex owner following media reports of prior violence on property?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all those legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment complex owner failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of Derrick Lee, Jr. may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims his wrongful death. Additionally, the other young victim of this tragic shooting may pursue legal claims for his injuries.
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 Property 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.
