A $12 Million settlement has been reached in a negligent security and wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate of Marvin Ousley, a father of six who was shot and killed at the Waters Edge Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida.
The case was litigated by Pedro Echarte and Michael Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm, nationally recognized leaders in premises liability and negligent security cases. Echarte and Haggar worked with co-counsel Millicent Daniels of the Daniels Law Firm. Their work helped secure justice for the victim’s family and emphasized how property owners can be held financially accountable when they fail to prevent foreseeable crimes.
The Incident: Fatal Shooting in the Parking Lot
On October 2, 2021, Marvin Ousley was visiting family at the Waters Edge Apartments when he stepped outside to take a phone call. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene in which Marvin was chased through the parking lot by a gunman who yelled, “come here, boy,” shot him, and then took something from him. Marvin died at the scene.
Though no one was arrested in connection with the crime, the civil case focused on the apartment complex’s failure to provide basic, reasonable security—despite a long record of criminal activity on the premises.
Pattern of Crime and Lack of Safety
At the time of Marvin’s death, the Waters Edge Apartments were owned and operated by the defendants named in the lawsuit. Attorney Pedro Echarte and the legal team at The Haggard Law Firm uncovered evidence of:
- A history of violent and non-violent criminal activity on the property.
- Minimal security infrastructure—only a few surveillance cameras aimed at protecting management assets (e.g., the leasing office, laundry rooms).
- No access control, no gated entry, and no professional security staff—only a single courtesy officer living on-site.
In sworn depositions, former employees of the defendants admitted they were unaware of the full extent of crime occurring at the complex and acknowledged that security measures were entirely inadequate.
Who Was Marvin Ousley?
Marvin was a father to six children, each with a different mother. His estate was represented by his own mother, Consuelo Hartley, who brought the wrongful death claim on behalf of her grandchildren.
The defendants attempted to use Marvin’s family structure to limit damages. But attorneys Echarte, Haggard, and Daniels effectively demonstrated through photos, videos, and testimony that Marvin had meaningful relationships with each of his children.
Overcoming the Defense’s Arguments
Defense counsel claimed that:
- The majority of past violent crimes occurred at night, while Marvin was killed during daylight hours.
- Most crimes had taken place over a year before the shooting.
The plaintiff’s legal team rebutted these claims by showing that the risk of crime remained high, that violent crime was foreseeable, and that the property owners had taken no meaningful action to protect residents or guests.
Landmark $12 Million Settlement
This case concluded with a $12 million settlement. Attorneys Echarte, Haggard and Daniels’ advocacy not only brought justice for Marvin’s children but also sent a clear message to property owners throughout Florida: Neglecting tenant safety comes at a cost.
About The Haggard Law Firm
Based in Coral Gables, Florida, The Haggard Law Firm is a nationally respected personal injury firm known for groundbreaking results in negligent security, drowning, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured Due to Negligent Security?
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a violent crime on someone else’s property, you may have legal options. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors and residents.
📞 Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
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