Family of man who was killed in carjacking calls for more security at Florida apartment buildings
FORT LAUDERDALE — The family of a man who was shot and killed in a carjacking at an apartment complex two years ago is calling for more security at Florida apartment buildings.
Dimithry Remarais, a father of two daughters, was killed on Aug. 18, 2022, at the Windward Vista apartments in Lauderhill. He was allegedly confronted by three men who carjacked him. The suspects have been arrested.
Remarais' loved ones and their attorney, Michael Haggard, say they recently received a $21 million settlement from a wrongful death lawsuit against the property management company and the property owner.
"The owners and property manager of the Windward Vista apartments demonstrated their disregard for the safety of their residents time and time again by refusing to ensure the property had working security cameras, proper lighting in parking lots," Remarais' sister, Isabella Lubin, said at a news conference. "They made it easier for people to partake in criminal activity and put people's lives in danger."
Haggard said the apartment complex "had a security company," but that it "did not show up."
He said the No. 1 site of violent crime in Florida is apartment complexes.
"It has overtaken banks. It has overtaken convenience stores," he said.
Haggard hopes to send a message to lawmakers.
"If these apartment complexes across the state of Florida, not just in South Florida, had reasonable security measures and our legislature did something about gun violence we could actually do something about protecting our community," he said.
CBS News Miami was not able to reach the property management company. We contacted the apartment complex and left a message but have not heard back.
Lubin said Remarais was "a caring son, a protective brother, a loving father to two beautiful girls, a comedic uncle and a loyal friend."
"Anyone who knew my brother knew he was a thoughtful person who would give you the shirt off his back and do anything to make you smile," she said.
"He was the life of the party and he lit up every room he went into," she added. "He made jokes and he would make you smile. He could do anything if he set his mind to it and he was hard working and determined."