Teen Fatally Shot at Hollybrook Homes Apartments in Jacksonville’s Mixon Town: Legal Options for Families After Apartment Complex Shootings

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is investigating a tragic shooting that left a teenager dead at the Hollybrook Homes Apartments in Jacksonville’s Mixon Town neighborhood. The incident underscores the ongoing problem of gun violence in apartment communities and raises important questions about safety, accountability, and the rights of grieving families.

According to JSO, the shooting occurred around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday night at 104 King Street in Mixon Town.

Patrol officers arrived to find a teenage male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department transported the teen to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

JSO Sgt. Thompson stated that surveillance footage captured the suspect fleeing the apartment complex on foot, though his direction was unknown.

A SWAT team was also observed at the complex Thursday morning, though authorities have not confirmed why. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.

Unfortunately, shootings at apartment complexes are not uncommon in Florida. These environments can sometimes become hotspots for violent crime due to:

• Poor or nonexistent security patrols
• Broken or inadequate lighting around entrances and parking lots
• Lack of surveillance cameras or monitoring
• Faulty or missing access controls (gates, locks, fences)
• Management ignoring prior crime reports or resident complaints

When property owners and management companies fail to implement reasonable safety measures—especially in areas with a known history of violent crime—they may be held legally responsible under Florida law.

Wrongful Death and Negligent Security Claims in Florida

The family of the teen victim may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Potential damages could include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency care prior to death
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving parents or family members

Additionally, the apartment complex could face a negligent security claim if it is determined that the shooting was foreseeable and that management failed to provide adequate safety measures.

To succeed in a negligent security claim, families must typically show that:

1. The property had a history of crime or presented risks of violence.
2. Management knew or should have known about the danger.
3. Reasonable security measures (cameras, security patrols, lighting, controlled access) were not provided.
4. This failure directly contributed to the victim’s death.

Criminal prosecution focuses on punishing the shooter, but civil lawsuits look beyond the individual to determine whether the property owner or management company also played a role in enabling the tragedy.

Evidence that may be critical in a civil case includes:

• Surveillance footage of the suspect and crime scene
• Police reports documenting prior violent incidents at the complex
• Resident complaints about safety issues
• Maintenance records for lighting, gates, or security systems
• Lease agreements and property policies regarding resident safety

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones to preventable violence. Our attorneys investigate whether landlords, property managers, or security companies failed in their duty to protect residents and visitors.

We work to secure justice by:

• Conducting independent investigations
• Gathering evidence of negligent security
• Filing wrongful death and negligent security lawsuits
• Fighting for full compensation on behalf of grieving families

The loss of a teenager to senseless gun violence is devastating for both the family and the community. While JSO continues its homicide investigation, families have the right to pursue justice in civil court against all responsible parties.

If your loved one has been killed in a shooting at an apartment complex in Florida, call Flanagan & Bodenheimer at 305-638-4143 for a free and confidential consultation. We fight to hold negligent property owners accountable and to help families rebuild after tragedy.