Trial Magazine

Barner Pierre-Jean, 16, was visiting a friend at the Center Court Apartments in Miami. While in the hallway of the apartment complex, Pierre-Jean was shot and killed when a man began firing at another resident. Pierre-Jean is survived by his parents.

Pierre-Jean’s parents, on behalf of his estate, sued the property owners and managers, alleging inadequate security and security policies. Suit claimed that there was insufficient lighting at the complex, which also lacked security guards or cameras to protect residents and invitees despite a history of violence. This negligence led to the criminal attack, the plaintiffs claimed, adding that the defendants had provided no deterrence against Pierre-Jean’s assault.

The parties settled for $2 million.

Citation: Pierre-Jean v. Yale Steam Ctr. Ct., LLC, No. CACE 2015-014573-CA-01 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade Cnty. Feb. 13, 2017).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Christopher L. Marlowe, Coral Gables, Fla.