A double murder at a residential complex in Titusville has sparked an extensive manhunt by local law enforcement. The violent incident unfolded on Monday, July 3, 2023, in the afternoon in the parking area of the Sandalwood Apartments.
The Titusville Police Department responded promptly to numerous gunfire alerts around 2:50 p.m., arriving on Knox McRae Drive's 200 block. Tragically, they discovered two male victims at the scene - one inside a vehicle and the other on the adjacent pavement.
In a grim confirmation, the authorities reported that both men were victims of fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the swift police response, the assailant or assailants managed to escape the vicinity before the officers reached the site. A helicopter from the Brevard County Sheriff's department was noted by local residents, scouring the area overhead in the ensuing investigation.
Amy Matthews, a representative for the Titusville Police Department, confirmed the assailants had fled the scene by the time the officers arrived. She further mentioned that an unidentified individual was seen leaving the scene shortly before the authorities arrived.
Investigators are now striving to establish the identities of the two victims. They plan to conduct autopsies at the medical examiner's office as part of their ongoing inquiries. These deaths mark the 24th and 25th homicides in Brevard County since the year commenced, painting a somber picture of the region's safety situation.
Taking Legal Action in Florida: Negligent Security Lawsuits After an Apartment Shooting
When visiting an apartment complex or any other property, the level of security you encounter can significantly impact your safety. Unfortunately, if you become a victim of a shooting due to negligent security, you could have legal recourse in Florida. The key to pursuing a negligent security lawsuit is understanding its basic principles.
Negligent security is a subcategory of premises liability law, whereby property owners or managers have a duty to implement appropriate security measures. These measures aim to safeguard visitors from foreseeable harm. However, if they neglect this responsibility, and you sustain an injury—such as from a gunshot—due to their negligence, they may be held accountable.
Grounds for a Negligent Security Lawsuit
Not every shooting incident in an apartment complex leads to a negligent security lawsuit. To launch a successful case, you'll need to provide proof that satisfies the following conditions:
Duty of Care
You must establish that the defendant, who could be the property owner or manager, had a responsibility to provide adequate security.
Breach of Duty
The next step involves showing that the defendant neglected their duty, resulting in negligent security.
Causation
Demonstrating causation means proving that the lack of appropriate security directly caused your shooting incident.
Damages
Finally, you need to show that you suffered significant harm or losses due to the shooting.
If you meet these conditions, you might be eligible for compensation.
Taking the Right Steps Post-Incident
The actions you take after a shooting incident can greatly influence your chances of a successful lawsuit. Here are the steps you should follow:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, prioritize your health. Obtain immediate medical assistance, and ensure that you retain all documentation related to your treatment.
Contact the Police
Ensure you report the shooting incident to law enforcement promptly.
Gather Evidence
Photograph the scene of the crime and ensure you document any potential evidence of negligent security. Additionally, gather the contact details of any witnesses to strengthen your case.
These measures, coupled with the expertise of a seasoned negligent security attorney, can greatly enhance your chances of a successful lawsuit in Florida.