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 life
of 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier.
If someone you love has been killed by the reckless or intentional acts
of another, call (203) 718-4002 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 LeGrier’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 at
Northern 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-lethal
tactics 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.