One Dead, One Injured in Shooting at Melbourne Apartment Complex: Legal Options for Victims and Families

A deadly shooting at the Summerset Apartments in Melbourne left one man dead and another hospitalized early Monday morning, according to the Melbourne Police Department. The violence unfolded around 6 a.m. after officers responded to a report of a “suspicious incident” and heard gunshots nearby.

When officers arrived at the complex near Lake Washington Road, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds outside one of the apartment units. One victim was transported to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. The second victim, identified as 58-year-old Ricardo Rodriguez of Melbourne, died at the scene.

Police say the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and that all individuals involved have been accounted for. However, the investigation remains active, and authorities have not released details regarding what led to the shooting or whether any arrests have been made.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime at residential properties and raises critical questions about apartment complex liability and the rights of victims and families.

Under Florida law, apartment owners and management companies have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for residents and visitors. When violent crime occurs on the property, the complex may be held liable if the incident was foreseeable and the owners failed to provide adequate security measures.

A shooting like the one at Summerset Apartments prompts immediate questions about the property’s history and safety protocols, including:

• Have there been prior violent incidents at or near the complex?
• Were there adequate security patrols?
• Was the lighting in parking lots and walkways sufficient?
• Did gates, access points, or surveillance cameras function properly?
• Were trespassers routinely able to access the property?

If the apartment complex knew—or should have known—about risks of crime, but failed to take reasonable steps to protect residents, it can be held accountable through a negligent security claim.

Legal Options for the Victims and Family

Families affected by shootings at apartment complexes often face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. Florida law provides several avenues for compensation and justice, including:

1. Wrongful Death Claims

The family of Ricardo Rodriguez may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for:

• Loss of companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional pain and suffering

If inadequate security contributed to the shooting, both the property management company and any security contractors may be liable.

2. Negligent Security Claims

Negligent security cases hold property owners responsible when they fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.

Possible security failures may include:

• Broken or nonexistent security gates
• Failure to address prior criminal activity
• Inadequate lighting
• Malfunctioning security cameras
• Lack of onsite security personnel
• Failure to enforce safety protocols

If these issues existed at Summerset Apartments, the surviving victim and the Rodriguez family could have a strong claim.

3. Personal Injury Claims for the Surviving Victim

The man hospitalized with gunshot wounds may recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or trauma

Early legal intervention is crucial to preserve evidence before it disappears.

Key Evidence Needed in Apartment Complex Shooting Cases

To build a strong negligent security case, an attorney will immediately begin gathering evidence such as:

• 911 call records
• Security camera footage
• Crime grid and police incident reports
• Maintenance records for lighting and gates
• Witness statements
• Security staffing logs
• Prior complaints from residents

The sooner a law firm is involved, the greater the chance of securing time-sensitive evidence.

Why These Cases Require an Experienced Florida Negligent Security Attorney

Apartment shootings often involve multiple responsible parties, complex legal hurdles, and aggressive defense from property management companies. A skilled negligent security law firm can:

• Investigate the crime thoroughly
• Identify all liable parties
• Analyze crime patterns and foreseeability
• Preserve and secure key evidence
• Work with security experts
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Fight for full compensation on behalf of victims and families

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we have extensive experience handling negligent security and wrongful death cases throughout Florida, including shootings at apartment complexes, hotels, parking lots, gas stations, and retail centers.

If you or a loved one was harmed in a shooting at an apartment complex, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our firm investigates violent crime cases with urgency, compassion, and a relentless commitment to justice.

Victims and families can reach out to us for a free, confidential case evaluation. We charge no fees unless we recover compensation.