Negligent Security? Breiner Daniel Puerta Gonzalez, 19, Shot Dead at the Northridge Plaza in Hilton Head Island, SC.
The victim’s body was found in a parking lot around 1:30 a.m. at the Northridge Plaza after one of the store owners had closed down his business. Police believe Breiner Daniel Puerta Gonzalez may have been riding a bicycle when he was shot. Two men have been arrested for the murder. Police do not believe that the victim knew the men that shot him and that it was likely a robbery.
Investigation and Questions
Because details are so limited, many important questions remain about this incident. As they pertain to a potential civil case and lawsuit, important questions and areas of investigation might include:
- What caused the shooting?
- Did the shooter(s) have a significant criminal history?
- Was the shooter a known person to Northridge Plaza?
- What security measures were in place at Northridge Plaza?
- What measures did Northridge Plaza take after each of the other shootings?
- Where, precisely, did the shooting take place?
These questions can help paint a clearer picture of why this incident occurred and whether it could have been prevented. Problematic properties such as Northridge Plaza have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect their customers. When these stores know they have a problem with crime and gang violence, they may be held liable when one of their customers is injured or killed in one of these instances of violent crime.
How to Prevent Violence and Crime at Convenience Stores
Legal contributor Attorney Danny Dalton, an experienced wrongful death lawyer, has represented many families of those killed or injured by the actions or negligence of others. Mr. Dalton offered the following commentary on this situation:
“Owners and operators of businesses can and should take reasonable steps to help prevent violence on their properties – for example, adequate lighting, video cameras, fences, courtesy officers, security patrols, off-duty officers, trespass lists, and maintaining a clean store in good repair can all help to deter crime. It is also important for property owners to request and monitor crime data to get a better idea of what is happening at and around the property so that they can evaluate what security measures are necessary. Owners and operators should request the 9-1-1 calls for service logs, crime grids, and actual police reports. The fact that the crime at this property was so rampant that the city is closing it down means that the owners were, or should have been, well aware of the crime problem on their property. You can’t prevent all crime, but property owners can certainly take steps to discourage it from occurring on the property.”
Mickelsen Dalton LLC
An experienced attorney at Mickelsen Dalton LLC can help determine if you have a claim and advise you of your options. Our attorneys have successfully represented dozens of gunshot and assault victims. Within the past three years, Mickelsen Dalton LLC has recovered over $30 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We have been featured in Fox News, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and several other national news organizations.
We are tireless investigators that will do what it takes to get to the truth and fight for you and your loved ones. Anyone may contact our attorneys for a free consultation at (843) 804-0428 or by email at help@mickelsendalton.com.
Disclaimer:
Past results are not a guarantee of future results. The information contained in this post is from news articles and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice.
