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Family of murdered 7-year-old sues apartment complex

CANTON, Ga.,None — The mother of a 7-year-old Canton girl who was sexually assaulted and murdered by their apartment complex maintenance man is suing the complex.

Jorelys Rivera disappeared from the River Ridge apartments playground in December and her remains were found in a Dumpster several days later.

According to the Bell Law Firm, which is representing Jorelys’ mother, Joselinne Rivera, maintenance man Ryan Brunn was hired just three 1/2 weeks before murdering Jorelys.

Brunn pleaded guilty last month in exchange for avoiding a potential death sentence. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole, only to hang himself in his cell the same week.

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“Brunn was a predator who should never have been hired to work in an apartment community, particularly one with young children,” attorney Lloyd N. Bell said. “We believe the apartment complex knew that Ryan Brunn had a history of pedophilia and child sexual assault before they hired him. We also believe that Brunn had a close personal relationship with the property manager and leasing agent. They chose to look the other way and hired Brunn for a job that gave him direct access to children.”

Brunn gave an interview to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation immediately after his sentencing in which he admitted to molesting other young children.

“We are determined to hold the complex accountable for their actions and obtain justice for Jorelys and her family,” Bell said.

The lawsuit states that the complex was negligent in hiring Brunn, failed to provide adequate security and created a nuisance by hiring Brunn and allowing known registered sex offenders to live at the complex and allowing illegal drug activity.

Brunn had no prior sex offense convictions.

According to the lawsuit, Rivera is seeking general, compensatory and punitive damages from the River Ridge complex for the wrongful death of her daughter. The lawsuit states the damages are to be determined by the jury.

Rivera also stopped by Atlanta radio station 105.3 El Patron Monday to announce she's starting a foundation in her daughter's honor. She said she wants to help familes who have lost children with financial and emotional support and help prevent abuse.

Click here to read the entire lawsuit.

http://bcove.me/urb1hqn1

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