Douglas County Bar Shooting Leaves One Dead, Three Others Injured

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — One person was killed and three others were injured following a shooting at a bar in Douglas County over the weekend, according to authorities.

The shooting occurred at Marlene’s, located off Maxham Road near Thornton Road, close to the Austell city limits. Officials with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the injuries to Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers.

A man who declined to appear on camera told Rogers that his friend, who works as a security guard at the bar, was shot in the leg and is recovering. He also stated that two of the other victims were customers at the establishment.

A nearby business owner told Channel 2 Action News that the owners of Marlene’s are good neighbors but described the incident as frightening. The business owner said he hopes law enforcement will increase its presence in the area.

Authorities have not released information regarding what led up to the shooting, nor have they identified any suspects. Details about the conditions of the three injured victims have not been disclosed.

Source: 1 dead, 3 injured after shooting at Douglas County bar, WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News, January 2026.

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – Shootings at bars and other public establishments raise serious concerns about public safety, security, and the protection of patrons and staff. Incidents involving gun violence can leave families coping with sudden loss, injury, and unanswered questions.

When violent incidents occur at businesses open to the public, questions may arise regarding safety measures, security practices, and whether additional precautions could have helped reduce risks or prevent harm.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When a dangerous incident occurs at a residential property, apartment complex, or public area, key concerns arise regarding property safety and potential negligence.

Questions may emerge about whether appropriate security measures were in place at the Millwood Apartment Complex—such as adequate lighting, security monitoring, or other reasonable precautions—to help identify risks or deter violent activity.

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. 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.  

When ‘red flags’ are ignored, the consequences are life-altering. Read our deep dive into the Idaho student murder lawsuit to understand when a property owner’s silence becomes a legal liability.

Image source: Marlene’s Bar Douglas County

Suing for Negligent Security in Georgia: Lessons from the Idaho Student Murder Civil Lawsuits 

The heartbreaking loss of four University of Idaho students in November 2022 remains a national conversation about safety and justice. While the criminal case has reached its conclusion, a new civil legal battle has emerged. Recently, the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves filed a tort claim against Washington State University (WSU), the institution where the attacker was a PhD student at the time of the murders (KREM, 2025).

This case is a stark reminder of institutional liability—the legal responsibility organizations have to act when they see clear warning signs of danger.

The Power of Institutional Liability

The lawsuit against WSU focuses on what the university knew leading up to the tragedy. According to reports from People, unsealed investigative documents revealed that the suspect had a deeply troubling history within the WSU criminology department. Faculty and students reportedly filed 13 formal complaints regarding his behavior in the three months prior to the murders (Spargo, 2025).

Internal documents reviewed by journalists show that one faculty member explicitly warned colleagues about the suspect’s potential for violence. The professor stated that if the university granted him a PhD, he would likely become a professor who would “stalk, harass, and sexually abuse” his future students (Neumann, 2025). By failing to act on these red flags or remove him from the program earlier, the lawsuit argues that the university failed in its duty to protect the community.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

How Georgia Law Protects Students and Families from Negligent Security

While this legal battle unfolds in the Pacific Northwest, the principles of Negligent Security are vital for families here in Georgia. Whether it is a campus in Athens or an apartment complex in Atlanta, safety is a legal right.

In Georgia, property owners are governed by O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, which requires them to exercise “ordinary care” in keeping their premises safe for visitors and residents (FindLaw, 2024). This includes a duty to provide security against foreseeable criminal acts.

Georgia courts use a “totality of the circumstances” test to determine if a crime was foreseeable. As seen in the landmark Georgia Supreme Court case CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. Carmichael (2023), if a landlord or institution has “superior knowledge” of a threat—such as repeated harassment complaints or a pattern of suspicious behavior—they have a legal obligation to take protective action. Failure to do so can result in significant civil liability for the institution.

• Behavioral Intervention: Did management ignore documented “red flags” or harassment reports?
• Physical Security: Are entry points, locks, and keypad codes properly maintained?
• Adequate Warning: Were residents notified of known threats or recent crimes in the area?
• Lighting and Monitoring: Are parking lots and common areas kept well-lit and monitored?

Standing With Victims of Violence

At Georgia Victims, we believe that holding negligent institutions accountable is the only way to prevent future tragedies. The bravery shown by families seeking transparency helps set a standard of safety that protects all students.

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. 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.  

Sources: Appel, Eric. “Family of University of Idaho student murder victim files intent to sue Washington State University.” KREM, Nov. 19, 2025. Neumann, Sean. “Bryan Kohberger’s professor warned he’d ‘stalk and sexually abuse’ people.” People, Aug. 20, 2025. Spargo, Chris. “Bryan Kohberger faced 13 formal complaints at Washington State — including about these offensive comments.” People, Aug. 18, 2025. CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. Carmichael, 890 S.E.2d 209 (Ga. 2023). Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-3-1.

Image source: University of Idaho

Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Stabbing of Jerry Sampson Jr. at Millwood Apartments

MARIETTA, Ga. — Cobb County police have arrested a suspect following a fatal stabbing that occurred New Year’s Day at an apartment complex on Pat Mell Road.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the Millwood Apartment Complex, located at 300 Pat Mell Road, at approximately 8:36 a.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, responders found 47-year-old Jerry Sampson Jr. of Marietta suffering from a stab wound.

Sampson was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.

Investigators with the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit identified 50-year-old Zuberi A. Douglas, also of Marietta, as a suspect. Police say Douglas was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.

Douglas is currently being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Authorities stated that the investigation remains active.

Anyone with additional information related to the incident is urged to contact the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

Source: Arrest made after New Year’s morning stabbing at Millwood apartments, FOX 5 Atlanta, January 2026. Suspect in custody after fatal stabbing on Pat Mell Road, Cobb County Courier, January 2026.

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – Violent incidents at apartment complexes, including fatal stabbings, raise serious concerns about safety and oversight within residential communities. Families affected by sudden acts of violence often face grief, uncertainty, and difficult paths forward.

When violence occurs on residential property, key questions can emerge regarding environmental conditions, on-site safety measures, and whether earlier interventions—such as surveillance, security presence, or improved lighting—might have helped reduce risks.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When a dangerous incident occurs at a residential property, apartment complex, or public area, key concerns arise regarding property safety and potential negligence.

Questions may emerge about whether appropriate security measures were in place at the Millwood Apartment Complex—such as adequate lighting, security monitoring, or other reasonable precautions—to help identify risks or deter violent activity.

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. 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.  

When ‘red flags’ are ignored, the consequences are life-altering. Read our deep dive into the Idaho student murder lawsuit to understand when a property owner’s silence becomes a legal liability.

Image source: Millwood Apartment Complex