Family Sues Mississippi Apartment Complex Owner Over Teen’s Death

The owners of a West Point, Miss., apartment complex say they are not responsible for the shooting death of a teenager on their property on New Year’s Day.

The lawsuit was filed in June in Clay County Circuit Court by the family of 16-year-old Devin Mitchell. It alleges negligence by the apartment owners and security guards.

The Daily Times Leader reports that the apartment owners, in a response filed this past week, say the alleged actions by the shooter were unforeseen and were the sole reason behind the death of Mitchell.

Police say Mitchell was visiting relatives when he was shot in the head and died.

Tavaris F. Collins has been charged with murder. He is being held in jail on $2.2 million bond.