Prosecutors have charged 17-year-old Kamari Williams as an adult in a fatal shooting that occurred at a Wawa gas station in Riviera Beach on June 26.
Authorities transferred Kamari Williams from juvenile custody to the Palm Beach County Jail on July 12 to face charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm in the death of Anthony Thurston, Jr.
Kamari Williams’ Claim of Self-Defense negated by Surveillance-Camera Video
Police investigators say Williams shot and killed Thurston, also 17, and wounded another teen in an apparent gang-related incident at the Wawa on Garden Road, near Blue Heron Boulevard. According to a police report, Williams and a female companion were purchasing items at the Wawa around 9:30pm on June 26 when they observed the victim and two others entering the store. Williams and the female reportedly walked past Thurston’s group.
Surveillance-camera video reportedly showed Williams take a firearm from his belt, and fire two shots at Thurston and his group, then pull back the slide and fire a third shot. Williams and his companion then ran to a vehicle parked outside and fled the scene.
Shooting Believed to be Gang-Related
Investigators said Williams and Thurston are believed to be members of rival gangs. Thurston and his companions are said to have alleged affiliations with the “Navy Sharks” from Riviera Beach, and Williams is suspected to be a member of a gang known as “Trey Way” from West Palm Beach, according to the Riviera Beach Police Department.
In a police interview, Kamari Williams told police that one of the men in Thurston’s group had started “grilling” him, a street rem meaning staring and baring your teeth at someone in a disrespectful manner. He also told police officers that the three men had followed him out of the store, showed a run and stated, “What’s up, jit, I’ll burn you right there.” The statement was proved false after viewing surveillance-camera evidence.
Did Negligent Security play a role in this Shooting?
We won’t know until the investigation is complete, but in Florida, one thing is for sure: laws require property owners to take reasonable steps to protect guests/customers from foreseeable dangers. For example, if a property owner knows that there is a high crime rate in the area, they may be required to install security cameras or hire security guards. If a crime does occur on the property, the victim and/or victim’s family may be able to sue the property owner for negligent security.
Duty of Care is Paramount
A property owner or occupier has a duty to take reasonable measures, and not breach their duty, to ensure the safety of those legally permitted to be on their premises. This duty is typically highest for invitees, which includes people like customers or patients, but also extends to licensees, such as delivery people or repairmen, and in some cases, even trespassers.
What is “Breach of Duty?”
A breach of duty occurs when the property owner fails to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of those on their premises and someone is injured. For example, if there is known criminal activity in the area and the property owner does not take steps to address it, this could be considered a breach of duty if someone is subsequently attacked on the property.
Injured due to someone else’s Negligence? GOLDLAW has the Experience you need!
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury caused by the negligent actions of a property owner, we encourage you to reach out to a GOLDLAW attorney as soon as possible At GOLDLAW, we have a deep understanding of Florida personal injury law, and we know what it takes to secure compensation for a premises liability and negligent security claim. For your COMPLIMENTARY case evaluation, “Choose the 2’s,” and call 561-222-2222, or click here to submit your case evaluation form.
