San Jose, California - Man Stabbed to Death Outside of a Dollar Tree Store

Six People Arrested in Fatal Dollar Tree Stabbing

According to The Mercury News, on April 5th just before 7 p.m. a man was stabbed outside of a Dollar Tree located at 1178 North Capitol Ave. The victim suffered from at least one stab wound and was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

Witnesses claim they saw the victim being chased by a group of people and that the situation became physical in the Dollar Store. This is when one of the suspects stabbed the victim, killing him. Officers still do not know the reason behind the altercation. However, four arrests were made the night of the stabbing and two more were made in the past month. Court documents reveal that each suspect was charged for assault with a deadly weapon, murder, and participating in a criminal street gang.

Can Store Owners Be Responsible For Violent Crime on Their Properties?

Jason Amala is an attorney contributor who represents criminal violence victims and their families in civil lawsuits. Mr. Amala helps these victims pursue justice against negligent parties.

Mr. Amala explained, “All commercial property owners have a legal duty to protect their patrons and employees from any reasonably foreseeable hazards. A store owner must do everything in their power to prevent any violent crime from happening on their premises. In order to fulfill this duty, property owners are required to provide adequate security. This may include installing video surveillance, hiring security guards, and establishing well-lit parking lots. Property owners should be aware of their property’s history of criminal violence, and adjust security measures if necessary.”

“There are several instances when a victim of violent crime may have grounds for a lawsuit against the business owner for a stabbing. If a store owner fails to provide adequate security and a stabbing occurs due to their negligence, then the owner may be held partially liable. Furthermore, the stabbing must be considered reasonably foreseeable. For example, if a stabbing occurs on a property with a large history of criminal violence, then the instance may be considered reasonably foreseeable”, said Mr. Amala.

Sources:

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/05/21/san-jose-six-arrested-in-fatal-dollar-tree-store-stabbing/

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/04/04/san-jose-man-stabbed-to-death-on-capitol-avenue/