On February 2, 2024, Lem Johnny Johnson IV, a 20-year-old man, was shot at the Family Dollar on Riverdale Road. His mother, Sheila Brooks, had dropped him off at the store shortly before gunfire broke out. Johnson was found inside with multiple gunshot wounds.
Ben Keen from Beasley Allen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Clayton County on behalf of Brooks. The lawsuit claims that Family Dollar knew about potential criminal acts on their property but failed to implement necessary safety measures. It alleges that despite being aware of the risks posed by third-party criminal acts, the store did not take reasonable steps to prevent such incidents. Consequently, Johnson suffered severe injuries leading to his death.
The case centers around premises liability, which requires property owners to maintain safe environments for visitors. Owners can be held accountable if someone is injured due to inadequate maintenance or security measures.
The lawsuit highlights that despite knowing about previous violent activities at the location, Family Dollar did not act sufficiently to ensure customer safety and welfare.
Beasley Allen's statement underscores their commitment "to seeking justice for Johnson’s family and all those who have fallen victim to premises liability and negligent security." They emphasize that many tragic events could be avoided with proper security precautions.
At Beasley Allen, they assert their dedication "to ensuring that those responsible for wrongdoings are held accountable" and aim "to prevent similar tragedies from happening again." Their goal is not only justice but also creating safer public spaces by addressing these issues directly.