Man Sues Common After Rooming With Alleged Serial Killer
A Common tenant had a rather uncommon — and frightening — experience with the company, prompting a lawsuit.
William Castagna’s Lawsuit Against Common
William Castagna filed a lawsuit against the co-living company in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, Business Insider reported. Castagna is seeking damages and a trial by jury from Common, which may be a tough sell considering the company declared bankruptcy in June and planned to liquidate.
Breach of Duty Alleged
Castagna alleges the New York-based startup breached its duty by housing him with a roommate the company knew was “dangerous and unfit,” then ignored his requests to be relocated.
Roommate’s Infamy
Common placed Castagna in a four-bedroom unit at Common Elmwood, a Los Angeles complex, according to his lawsuit. Upon moving in two Augusts ago, Castagna encountered a roommate: Jerrid Powell.
Powell would gain notoriety later in 2023 when he was arrested and charged with murder in the shooting deaths of three sleeping homeless men, in addition to another man. Powell has pleaded not guilty.
Common’s Knowledge of Powell’s Behavior
Common knew Powell “exhibited abnormal and alarming behavior” before placing Castagna, according to the suit. After moving in, Castagna allegedly contended with three months of “erratic behavior,” such as threats, stolen food and torture of a dog within the apartment.
Common’s Response
Common didn’t make an effort to look into Castagna’s complaints about the situation, according to his lawyer. Furthermore, when Common stopped ignoring Castagna’s concerns, it told him he could transfer units for up to a $500 fee and an additional security deposit, according to the suit. Castagna also claims the company told him he would need to wait 30 days.
Aftermath of the Incidents
On Nov. 24, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department came knocking after Castagna placed a call to 911 to report animal cruelty, the lawsuit states. The police couldn’t gain access to the unit, though, and when Castagna contacted Common about the incident, the company told him the allegations against Powell were false.
The following week, Powell was arrested in connection to the murders. The LAPD handcuffed Castagna “simply because he was living in the same apartment as an accused multiple-murderer and thus treated as an accomplice,” according to the lawsuit.
Conclusion
Castagna is seeking damages and a trial by jury from Common, which may be a tough sell considering the company declared bankruptcy in June and planned to liquidate. The case highlights the importance of tenant safety and the need for co-living companies to prioritize the well-being of their residents.
FAQs
Q: What is the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit is about a tenant, William Castagna, who alleges that Common, a co-living company, breached its duty by housing him with a roommate who was known to be “dangerous and unfit” and ignored his requests to be relocated.
Q: Who is Jerrid Powell?
A: Jerrid Powell is the roommate who was arrested and charged with murder in the shooting deaths of three sleeping homeless men, in addition to another man. He has pleaded not guilty.
Q: What is the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: The outcome of the lawsuit is pending as it is still in progress.
Q: Is Common still in operation?
A: No, Common declared bankruptcy in June and planned to liquidate.
Q: What is the purpose of the lawsuit?
A: The purpose of the lawsuit is to hold Common accountable for breaching its duty to provide a safe living environment for its tenants and to seek damages for the harm caused to William Castagna.
