Police Shooting Victim's Family Files Lawsuit

 Posted on January 05, 2016 in Personal Injury

In a tragic case, the family of 55-year-old Bettie Jones, who was shot and killed by police, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Chicago. This is the second wrongful death suit filed against the city in the wake of the shooting, which also claimed the lifeof 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier.

If someone you love has been killed by the reckless or intentional acts of another, call 203-661-6000 today to pursue justice.

A Tragic Incident

The incident in question began when LeGrier’s father, Antonio, called the police after his son threatened him. He called Jones to ask her to open the door for the officers. When they arrived, however, police claim that LeGrier was running down the stairs with a baseball bat. The officers began firing, and ultimately took the lives of both LeGrier and Jones.

Was Excessive Force Used?

Law enforcement has acknowledged that Jones was “accidentally struck”by the gunfire, but Le Grier’s father is one of many who question whether police should have opened fire at all. The lawsuit he filed last week states that officers were not justified in shooting LeGrier, that excessive force was used, and that the officers also failed to provide any medical care. His family has indicated that LeGrier, a student atNorthern Illinois University, suffered from mental illness.

The Pursuit of Justice

Ultimately, the families of both LeGrier and Jones wish to hold the police responsible for what is widely perceived as an inappropriate and excessive use of force. Congressman Bobby Rush questioned why tasers or other non-lethaltactics were not used before officers drew their guns, describing fatal gunshots as the “default tactics of the city’s police force.”

If a loved one has been killed or seriously injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, you have a right to pursue justice in the form of financial compensation. Contact our New York personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation.