GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a missing teen found dead in Gwinnett County is now suing the complex where their loved one was last seen.
Susana Morales was originally reported missing in July of 2022, and half a year passed before her skeletal remains were found in February 2023. Days later, police held a news conference stating they had arrested former Doraville Police Officer Miles Bryant in connection to her murder.
While Bryant's case moves through the justice system, Morales' father is bringing a wrongful death claim to the companies over the apartment complex of his daughter's last known location. Attorneys for Florentino Morales filed the lawsuit on Monday -- seeking compensation for the family.
On July 26, 2022, Morales was visiting friends at the Sterling Glen apartment complex on Indian Trail Lilburn Rd in Norcross. During this time, it's alleged that Bryant kidnapped Morales before killing her. According to the lawsuit, Bryant was not only living at the apartment complex but was also working as a courtesy officer.
The lawsuit alleges that the complex was negligent and should have known Bryant was a threat to those who lived and visited. In general, it argues that the defendants should have been aware of the suspect's disciplinary history as an officer with the Doraville Police Department before or even during his time serving the apartment. They also accuse those involved of being negligent in their hiring, supervision and retention.
One of the examples used in the complaint claimed an administrative review by the police department found that Bryant engaged in "grossly disrespectful behavior" by pretending to have a gun underneath his hoody when approaching a fellow officer in November 2021.
Another in the suit describes how Bryant allegedly had at least two physical altercations with his girlfriend and loud arguing could be heard at the apartment.
"As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Susana Morales sustained catastrophic injuries, conscious pain and suffering, and ultimately became aware of her impending death," the document claimed.
From a big-picture standpoint, it's argued that there was no system in place to ensure that those living in the apartment did not pose a threat to others. In addition, it claims the area was not properly maintained or managed. Also, there were allegedly security issues and knowledge of prior crimes, and it failed to act upon that knowledge.
The family's attorney, Brandon Smith, said the purpose of the lawsuit is to help provide justice.
"We seek to do the right thing for this family and the community to help play a part to prevent something like this from ever happening again," Smith said.
Overall, the lawsuit requests several items in a judgment as attorneys seek to obtain money for damages allowed under the law. The exact amount of money is unknown, but there is a request for a jury trial in the case. 11Alive reached out to those accused in the lawsuit and is awaiting a response.