Peppertree Apartments a Crime Hot Spot

A hot spot for crime in Whitehaven is catching the attention of the Shelby County District Attorney's Office again. Two people were shot this weekend at the Peppertree Apartments. One of them, a 21-year-old man, died.

The District Attorney's Office has been watching the Peppertree Apartments for more than three years. Back in October 2006, the office agreed to work with the property's manager after filing a nuisance action. At the time, the DA's Office said police were constantly responding to a laundry list of crimes on the property.

Years later, recent events might have the DA's Office reconsidering the deal. But, Peppertree resident Stanley Logan says that doesn't bother him. "It's tragic what happened. But I mean, we have security, but… things happen," Logan said.

Other tragic events have happened at the complex recently too. Like in June, when police say a man was shot for lying about his gender. In March, officers say a man shot and killed his own girlfriend at Peppertree. And last November, a man said he was shot when he walked through the complex.

"I can tell you I'm very concerned about the Peppertree," Council Chairman Harold Collins said.

The complex sits in Collins' district.

"Far too many times, these incidents have occurred. And in my opinion, one is one too many," Collins said.

In the past, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office said the incidents didn't violate the agreement it had with the property's management, which called for extra security measures like more lights, an access gate, and cameras. But in light of Saturday's deadly shooting, the DA's Office says it expects to have more "conversations" on this issue.

"Let's get the police report first to find out if the management group has violated any of the conditions of the agreement," Collins said.

Logan says he feels safe at Peppertree, but FOX13 spoke with some residents who said they do not feel safe there. They say they don't even come out at night.

Collins says all residents have the right to a safe home. And, he stands behind giving Peppertree a second chance three years ago.

"But at the same time, we have to hold those management groups accountable when they do make these agreements," Collins said.

Collins says if the management is in violation of the agreement, he will recommend that the DA review the case again.

FOX13 did reach out to Peppertree Apartments, but a woman hung up when we called. Calls to the property manager were not returned either.