NEW ORLEANS – A local apartment building owner is being sued for improper security by the daughter of a tenant who was stabbed to death in his apartment.
Daphne Richardson Valteau field suit against The Terraces on Tulane LLC, Latter & Blum Property Mangagement Inc., Latter & Blum Inc., Patriot Protection Agency Inc., Volunteers of America Inc. and Volunteers of America of the Greater New Orleans Area Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Dec. 23, 2013.
Valteau claims her father Edward Richardson, a rent-paying tenant of the Terraces on Tulane Ave. in New Orleans, was in his apartment when he was bludgeoned and stabbed over 20 times. Richardson suffered many hours before death and was murdered by someone who is yet to be identified, the suit says.
Valteau accuses the defendants of joint and concurrent negligence. She claims they seldomly kept the front gate locked or used the lock and buzzer system, failed to have adequately trained and attentive employees at the front desk check in station, rarely manned the clerk station, and did not have properly working security cameras.
Valteau is seeking unspecified damages for grief, mental anguish and deprivation of her father’s companionship and guidance. She also seeks damages sustained by Richardson prior to death including for physical pain and knowledge that his demise was imminent.
The plaintiff is represented by Paul R. Valteau Jr. of New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Ethel S. Julien.
Case no. 2013-12207.
Apartment complex sued after murder takes place on premises
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