Tragic Shooting at Lake Worth Condominium Leaves Woman Dead

A community in Lake Worth, Florida is reeling after a woman was found shot and killed early Tuesday morning outside the Lucerne Greene Condominiums. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) confirmed that deputies responded to the scene shortly after 3:00 a.m. following reports of a deceased woman.

When officers arrived, they discovered the woman outdoors with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The suspect and motive remain unknown as the investigation is still in its early stages. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may aid in identifying the shooter. Tips can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

While the criminal investigation is ongoing, families affected by violent incidents like this may also have grounds to pursue a civil wrongful death claim in Florida, especially if negligence or inadequate security played a role in the tragedy.

Wrongful death lawsuits allow surviving family members (such as spouses, children, or parents) to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. In cases involving gun violence, liability may arise under negligent security laws if a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect residents or guests from foreseeable harm.

When Can You Sue for Negligent Security in Florida?

Under Florida law, property owners, including landlords and condominium associations, have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. If the shooting occurred in a residential complex with a history of criminal activity or inadequate security measures, the property owner may be held liable for failing to prevent foreseeable harm.

Examples of negligent security that may give rise to a civil claim include:

• Broken or missing gates, locks, or surveillance cameras
• Lack of security guards in high-crime areas
• Poor lighting in parking lots or common areas
• Failure to warn residents of recent criminal activity
• Ignoring prior violent incidents on or near the premises

In these cases, victims’ families may pursue a wrongful death claim against the property management company, homeowner’s association (HOA), or private security firm.

What Families Should Do After a Shooting Death

If you have lost a loved one due to gun violence on someone else’s property, it’s important to act quickly. Here are steps you can take:

1. Request the incident report from local law enforcement once it becomes available.
2. Preserve any evidence you can — including photos of the scene, prior complaints about security, and communications from the property manager.
3. Speak to witnesses or neighbors who may have seen or heard anything suspicious.
4. Consult a wrongful death and negligent security attorney who can investigate potential liability and explain your rights under Florida law.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones due to negligent security and violent crime. If your loved one was killed in a shooting at a residential property, don’t wait to explore your legal options. We will investigate whether the property owner or manager failed to provide adequate safety measures and help you hold them accountable.