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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Common did not respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.

Years before declaring bankruptcy — and even before Castagna’s alleged nightmare — Common faced a pattern of tenant complaints, ranging from poor security to threatening tenants.— Holden Walter-Warner