A tragic incident has led to a lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, where the plaintiff accuses several property management companies and a security firm of negligence resulting in wrongful death. On November 7, 2024, Teresa Haygood filed a complaint against 255 Assay Street, LLC, Willow Bridge Property Company LLC, Lincoln Property Company, and Alarmtechs, Inc., following the death of her mother, Michelle Denise Haygood.
The lawsuit stems from a horrific event on November 8, 2022. Michelle Denise Haygood was held at gunpoint for hours in her apartment at 255 Assay Street in Houston before being fatally shot by an intruder who then turned the gun on himself. Despite her screams for help as she lay dying on the floor of her apartment, no assistance came from the property's management or security personnel. Teresa Haygood claims that when she contacted the property manager out of concern for her mother’s safety, they refused to assist or even acknowledge that a violent crime had occurred. Instead of helping or calling emergency services, the manager suggested that Teresa contact the police herself.
The complaint alleges gross negligence and breach of duty by all defendants involved. The plaintiff argues that these entities failed to provide adequate security measures despite advertising the premises as a "controlled access" luxury apartment complex with "top-notch" amenities. According to Teresa Haygood's petition, there was only one part-time security guard for over 1,000 residents and no effective system to monitor or control access to the property. Furthermore, it is claimed that Defendant Alarmtechs failed to maintain its security systems adequately and did not alert authorities when unauthorized individuals entered the premises.
The lawsuit highlights several instances where residents complained about broken entry doors and other security issues which were ignored by management. This neglect allegedly created an unreasonably dangerous environment leading directly to Michelle's death. The plaintiff seeks monetary relief exceeding $1 million for damages including mental anguish, loss of companionship and support due to Michelle's untimely death.
Representing Teresa Haygood is attorney Spencer Welch from Spencer Welch PC. The case has been assigned to Judge Nelson Cuero in Harris County District Court under Case ID 2024-78383.