JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly one year after a 3-year-old girl and two men were shot and killed at a Southside apartment complex, their families are suing the complex’s owner and property management company.
Attorneys filed three wrongful death lawsuits against JTB Apartments, JTB AC Skinner, The Inland Real Estate Group and Inland Private Capital Corporation.
The lawsuits claim there was not enough security to keep the victims safe.
“Where was the security? Where were the security guards? Where were the courtesy officers? Where were the off-duty police? Why were the lights not working? Why were the gates broken? Why was there a pedestrian gate open that allowed easy access to the property? Why weren’t there cameras at the property that were able to catch these assailants or murderers,” said Attorney Kimberly Wald who further criticized Inland for touting its size and nationwide presence.
Attorneys are seeking undisclosed amounts for each of the victims’ families as the investigation into their deaths continues.
Three-year-old Kae’Lynn Matthews, 23-year-old Jaquann Mitchell and 24-year-old Keonte Johnson were shot and killed in the common area of the JTB Apartments property on Sept. 23, 2023.
In the lawsuits, attorneys accuse JTB apartments of not having proper security gates to protect residents and visitors.
They say the complex did not have adequate surveillance cameras or lighting throughout the property.
Attorneys also claim the complex did not hire enough security guards to patrol and monitor the apartment complex.
The lawsuits also accuse the complex and surrounding area of having “high crime.”
They claim the area experienced “shootings, assaults, armed batteries and robberies” leading up to the deadly triple shooting.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says four people in total were shot at the complex when police say five people showed up there to possibly sell or buy a dog, before police say an argument led to the shooting.
Police say a fourth person was shot but survived.
MORE | Family broken by death of 3-year-old shot at Southside apartment calls for community to ‘do better’
No one has been arrested in this case so far.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said they are still looking for two men they say were seen leaving the scene of the shooting in a “dark-colored” car.
According to Ward, Inland employees had sounded the alarm about security concerns at the apartment complex well before the deadly shooting.
“Employees who were working for Inland had notified management about the problems occurring on their property. They told them the pool gate was not safe. They should make the gate higher because people are entering into the pool area and getting into the community. Management said it’s going to cost too much money,” Ward said before accusing the company of choosing to save money over saving lives.
The grandmother of the youngest victim, held back tears as she explained why it was important to take the apartment complex and its managing company to court.
“We’re filing this lawsuit because we want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. We want to make sure that if they tell you that you’re going to be safe, you truly can trust those words and that they are holding up their end of the bargain. We don’t want others to go through this pain and tragedy,” said Valencia Strowder.
Ward was questioned about naysayers who may make the argument that no amount of security will necessarily prevent gun violence from erupting.
“This could have been prevented. If security was in place, even if someone had come to the apartment complex to commit a crime, they wouldn’t have done that. If they saw a security guard if the gates were working, if the lights would have been working, if there was proper security, they never would have committed that crime because criminals don’t want to get caught. If there was actual security in place, this never would have happened,” Ward said before acknowledging the purpose of the news conference was not only to announce the lawsuit but also to put other apartment complexes and property management companies on notice that if they are not providing security.
News4JAX called the apartment complex owners for comment on the lawsuit, and this is how it responded: “It is our policy not to comment on pending litigation. The safety and security of our residents and their visitors has always been and remains one of our top priorities. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of this senseless shooting. We have been cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible will be held to account and brought to justice.”
Two other attorneys representing the families spoke about the need for justice, especially since a full year has gone by and no information has led to any arrests.
“This is a call for action. If anyone knows anything. If anyone saw anything, please call Jacksonville police and let them know what happened or what you saw. It doesn’t matter how small the tip is. Please call. Please give information. We want justice for everyone. This is ridiculous. It has to stop now,” said Attorney Christan Reeves.
“No family across our city should ever have to endure the pain this family is going through,” said Attorney Millicent Daniels.
If anyone has information that could lead detectives to a suspect, you are urged to contact JSO of First Coast Crime Stoppers at 904-398-3775.