Pedestrian Killed by Sniper's Bullet

LVT Number: 10544

A pedestrian's family sued landlord NYCHA for negligence after pedestrian was killed by sniper's bullet. The pedestrian was standing on a public street near an apartment within a housing project. The sniper was a visitor who fired the shot from inside the apartment. The sniper was arrested and confessed. The trial court and appeals court ruled against the family. There wasn't a sufficient connection between the shooting and any act by landlord which could have constituted negligence.

A pedestrian's family sued landlord NYCHA for negligence after pedestrian was killed by sniper's bullet. The pedestrian was standing on a public street near an apartment within a housing project. The sniper was a visitor who fired the shot from inside the apartment. The sniper was arrested and confessed. The trial court and appeals court ruled against the family. There wasn't a sufficient connection between the shooting and any act by landlord which could have constituted negligence.

Lewis v. NYC Housing Authority: NYLJ, p. 31, col. 1 (4/1/96) (App. Div. 2 Dept.; Miller, JP, Hart, Friedmann, Florio, JJ)