have been filed against Charlotte’s Northlake Mall by victims of a recent shooting, alleging negligence and failure to provide adequate security. The incident occurred on Perimeter Parkway, where Armani Spencer, 23, was fatally shot, and Bianca Brown, 27, suffered critical injuries.
The lawsuits cite a pattern of criminal activity in the area, alleging that mall operators were aware of ongoing safety issues but did not take action. “In the five-year period between December 31, 2016, and August 13, 2022, the Northlake Commons and Mall areas have been affected by at least 1,309 distinct incidents of criminal activity ranging from assaults, forcible rapes, robberies, and murders,” the Brown’s suit alleges. “All this crime was not lost on the Defendants. American Eagle’s parent company, AE Outfitters Retail Co., cited “rampant violence… reminiscent of a warzone” as the reason it abruptly closed its 7,000-square foot store after 20 years at Northlake. American Eagle is not alone, other retailers (including Apple, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michael Kors, and Buckle) also chose to close their stores, citing rampant violent and fear for the security of their employees and customers.”
Spencer’s estate and Brown filed lawsuits against TM Northlake Mall, Spinoso Real Estate Group, Professional Security Consultants, and others. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and monetary compensation for the incident. Several defendants, including Spinoso and Wilmington Trust, have sought to be removed from the case, arguing they were not directly managing operations at the time…