Legal case against complex Ownership
On February 21, 2024, 19-year-old Jeanarium St. Fort was shot and killed at the Lake Mangonia Apartments on North Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach. Two men are now facing first degree murder charges.
Police have arrested West Palm Beach residents Terneal Smith and Damario Jones in connection to St. Fort’s death. The men, who are both 21, now face first degree murder charges, and are being held without bail.
Location has a History of Violence
On January 24, 2024, a pair of murders were committed near the complex. 34-year-old Damien Davis was shot dead, execution-style, his body left on the passenger side of a vehicle in a parking lot. In a second incident, James J. Miles, 47, was gunned down in his apartment. Residents are aware of the crime that has plagued the complex. ”I’ve been here 14 years. I’m tired,” said long-time resident Nadia McKay. “I have nothing else to lose. I don’t want to live here anymore. I don’t feel safe.” In July, 2023, two people were hospitalized following a shooting at the complex
Fatal Shooting was captured on Surveillance Video, say Police
Investigators say Smith and Jones were involved in a scuffle with St. Fort just moments before the shooting. According to arrest reports, officers responded to the complex just before 11:15am February 21 and found a man lying in the hallway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. St. Fort would die later at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Surveillance-camera vide captured a silver Ford Escape fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting. Police located the vehicle and obtained a search warrant. Jones’ prints were found on the vehicle, according to the arrest report. A witness identified Smith as the second shooter.
Police working with residents to quell violence at Lake Mangonia Apartments
The complex has been the focus of recent efforts by West Palm Beach Police to address violence in the community. Police hosted a community pop-up on February 17 to meet residents and discuss ways to make Mangonia Lakes Apartments safer.
“We’ve been working with the property owners, we’ve engaged the community and the community is stepping up,” said police spokesman Mike Jachles in a video conference with reporters last week. “Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the problems from this property.” Police don’t believe the latest shootings were a random attack, and do not think there is a general threat to the public.
Did Negligent Security play a role in the Lake Mangonia Apartments shooting deaths?
Under Florida premises liability law, business owners have a duty to provide reasonable security of their premises to reduce the opportunity for criminals to engage in violent acts such as shootings, robberies, rape, or murder. When they fail to do so, – especially at a property that has a history of criminal acts, – and a violent act occurs that results in sever injury or death, the surviving family members may be a able to file a lawsuit against the property owner/manager for negligent security.
Have you or a family member suffered an injury due to the negligence of another? Call GOLDLAW!
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property because of their negligence in providing adequate security, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The experienced negligent security lawyers at GOLDLAW can investigate your case and determine if you have a valid claim. Let us help!
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