The Idaho Four Lawsuit: What the WSU Negligent Security Case Means for Georgia Campus Safety
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.
