Tragic Shooting at Perrytown Apartments Leaves Two Teens Dead, Two Injured in Perry, Florida

Michael T. Flanagan, Esq.

A devastating overnight shooting at the Perrytown Apartments in Perry, Florida, left two teenagers dead and two others injured, authorities reported early Friday morning. According to Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse, the victims include a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl who were pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting also left a 16-year-old girl and an adult male injured. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment, though the full extent of their injuries has not been publicly released. The incident occurred around midnight, and law enforcement immediately secured the area to begin a thorough investigation.

Taylor County School District Superintendent Reggie Wentworth addressed the impact of the tragedy on local students, noting that school counselors were made available at both the high school and middle school to provide support for students affected by the incident. High school events, including a scheduled pep rally, were canceled to ensure students had access to appropriate emotional support.

“This has been a very difficult morning for our students,” Superintendent Wentworth said. “Many students personally knew the victims, and it’s essential that we provide a safe, supportive environment to help them process their grief.”

Chief Cruse stated that authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and working to identify the individual(s) responsible. He reassured the public that there is currently no ongoing threat, and law enforcement is controlling the situation.

“There is no threat to the community at this time,” Chief Cruse said. “We are securing evidence, speaking to witnesses, and conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is pursued.”

In incidents like this, survivors and families of victims may have potential legal avenues to explore. Depending on the circumstances, claims could arise under premises liability or negligent security laws. Property owners, including apartment complexes, have a duty under Florida law to provide reasonably safe conditions and take precautions against foreseeable criminal activity.

If it is determined that the apartment complex failed to provide adequate security measures such as functioning lighting, controlled access, security personnel, or surveillance systems, families of victims or injured parties may pursue claims against the property owner.

Families of those who were killed may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, emotional pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the loss of a loved one. Individuals injured in the incident may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.

Conditions That May Support a Negligent Security Claim:

  • A history of violence or criminal activity on the property or in the neighborhood.
  • Deficient security measures, such as broken gates, lack of lighting, missing or nonfunctional surveillance cameras, or absent security guards.
  • Prior complaints by tenants regarding safety concerns that went unaddressed.
  • The shooting was foreseeable, meaning property managers knew (or should have known) criminal acts might occur and failed to take action to prevent them.

Florida courts require four elements to bring a negligent security claim:

  1. Duty — The property owner must owe a duty of care to the victim.
  2. Breach — This duty was breached through inadequate security.
  3. Causation — That breach caused the injury or death.
  4. Damages — Actual losses resulted, such as medical expenses or emotional trauma.

Because cases involving criminal acts on private property can be complex, it is critical for victims and their families to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who handles negligent security and personal injury claims to understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we specialize in representing families who have lost loved ones in apartment complex shootings. If your family has been impacted by this tragedy, please call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We handle negligent security and wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation.

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