Tragedy in Miami Gardens: Families Unite Against Negligent Security
In a heart-wrenching display of sorrow and anger, Marcia Dixon found herself overwhelmed with emotion as she spoke about the tragic death of her son, Edwin Dixon. “Edwin was in the prime of his life when he was ripped from this earth and us,” she lamented, her voice breaking as she recounted the fateful night that changed her life forever. The shooting occurred last year at the Cedar Grove Apartments in Miami Gardens while Edwin was visiting a friend, a reminder that danger can lurk even in seemingly safe spaces.
The Cedar Grove Apartments: A Site of Grief
Situated on Northwest 207th Street near 17th Avenue, the Cedar Grove Apartments have become synonymous with tragedy. Just six months after Edwin Dixon’s untimely death, another heart-wrenching incident unfolded at the same location, claiming the life of Taborez White. Robin Gore, Taborez’s mother, shared her feelings of grief that resonate deeply with Dixon’s experience. “Instead of being filled with joy and celebration, I’m speaking here with you about all the memory of my son,” she said, capturing the painful juxtaposition of life’s celebrations being overshadowed by senseless violence.
A Call for Accountability
In the aftermath of these tragedies, both families have chosen to take legal action, filing a negligent security lawsuit against Cedar Grove. Their claims center around the assertion that the property management neglected their responsibilities to maintain adequate security. According to Dixon, “there is a real cost when you allow crime to run rampant on your property. That cost is earth-shattering pain for people like my husband and I.” This sentiment encapsulates the heart of their struggle: a demand for accountability in a system that, they argue, failed to protect their loved ones.
Legal Obligations and Responsibilities
Florida law obligates property owners and managers to provide sufficient security measures against reasonably foreseeable criminal activity. In this case, attorney Joshua Padron of The Haggard Law Firm articulated the legal expectations placed upon the management at Cedar Grove. The families believe that the property management’s inaction contributed directly to the violent incidents that claimed their sons. In commentary on their ongoing legal battle, Padron emphasized the ethical duty that landlords hold toward their tenants and guests.
Lack of Security Measures
When pressed during a deposition about the security measures enacted between the two shootings, the Cedar Grove property manager revealed a startling lack of proactive steps. When asked if additional security had been hired or current security hours increased, her response was a simple “No.” This admission has further fueled the families’ concerns, as they argue that the existing security apparatus—consisting of merely two cameras and a few hourly guards—is inadequate to ensure the safety of residents.
Another Incident and Ongoing Legal Issues
The issue of safety at Cedar Grove is even more compounded, as incidents of violence continue to plague the complex. A third shooting on December 31, 2023, further highlights the urgency of the situation, leading to yet another negligent security lawsuit. The survivor of this latest incident, who chose to remain anonymous, serves as a somber testament to the dangers that residents face. Each incident underscores the pervasive worry felt by families living in the area and the need for substantial changes to security measures.
The Fight for Justice Continues
As both families grapple with their grief, they also strive to shine a light on the need for improved safety measures in their community. Through their lawsuits, they seek not only justice for their own losses but also a commitment from the property management to enhance security for all residents and guests at Cedar Grove. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but their determination serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of violence and the urgent need for change.