An apartment complex and security firm agree to settle case of rape victim for $875,000

Woman wins $875,000 in rape suit

By Kim Smith

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.08.2008

A 22-year-old woman who was repeatedly raped in July 2006 has settled her lawsuit against the apartment complex where the attack took place and a security company for $875,000.

Tucson attorney William Nelson filed a lawsuit against University House on East 8th Street and Proguard Security Services on behalf of the woman last year, claiming D’Andre Webb, 22, was able to get into the woman’s apartment because the slider portion of her sliding-glass door was on the outside, allowing him to lift it off its track.

The management at University House refused to let maintenance personnel fix the problem before the rape, instead instructing them to place an ineffectual pin-locking mechanism on the door, Nelson said.

Moreover, the apartment complex management knew there was a problem with the sliding-glass doors because a burglar had gained access to another apartment the same way, Nelson said.

The woman, who was attending the University of Arizona at the time, continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, anxiety attacks and depression, Nelson said.

Webb was arrested the morning of the rape after officers spotted him carrying items he’d stolen from the victim. A convicted sex offender, he’d just been released from prison and was visiting relatives.

Webb was sentenced to 54 years in prison in June 2007 after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual assault.

Suzanne Brei and Robert Zelms, the defense attorneys in the civil case, did not return phone calls seeking comment.