Security Failure? Damajne Hicks Columbia Shooting. 

We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $250 million dollars for our Clients.  Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available to the family of Damajne Hicks.

Columbia, SC – Gunfire rang out at an apartment complex Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, leaving one man dead.

As reported by WLTX.com, “[t]he sheriff’s department said deputies were called to 1050 Southern Drive around 6 a.m. on May 31, where they found a Black male victim in one of the apartments with gunshot wounds to the back and side.”

According to the report, “[t]he victim has been identified as Damajne Hicks, 25, of Columbia.”

WACH.com is reporting, “[t]he complex is a privately owned apartment for students only.”

According to WIStv.com, “[t]he recent shooting is just one out of several other violent incidents students say they’ve continued to endure…One student showed WIS eight different emails management sent to residents, warning them about various violent situations. WIS also obtained Richland County Sheriff Department records that show the extent of violence. Out of 186 calls for service to the apartment complex this year, 18 of those calls involved a gun or a weapon.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Legal Options Available to Family of Damajne Hicks?

OUR LEGAL TAKE

Apartment complex residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented.

The following list of questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:

• Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
• Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
• Were any security personnel at the property?
• Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
• What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting? 
• Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?

Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises.  Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the family of Damajne Hicks may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed.  The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Damajne Hicks retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

Successful Legal Outcomes in Similar Cases.

The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence, and we offer legal analysis to victims and potential Clients. We have obtained nearly $250 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:

• A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
• Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.

We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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