Trial Magazine

Luis Calles Cruz, 32, was approached by several assailants as he sat in his car in the parking lot of an apartment complex. They attempted to rob him and then allegedly shot him. Cruz died from his injuries.

His estate sued the companies that owned and managed the complex, alleging failure to provide adequate security in light of the complex’s history of crime, which included a home invasion, armed robbery, and car burglaries. The plaintiff claimed that the complex should have had access control, surveillance cameras, and a roving security patrol during the evening hours.

The parties settled for $7 million before trial.

Citation: Cruz v. Redland Crossing, LLC, No. 2022-024733-CA-01 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade Cnty. June 27, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Pedro E. Echarte, Coral Gables, Fla.