Did Police Brutality Kill This Unarmed Man?

Friday, January 31, 2014

Did Police Brutality Kill This Unarmed Man?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

While police brutality and civil rights discrimination is unacceptable, it does still occur today, which is why police brutality lawyers must sometimes intervene. Recently, a 24-year-old North Carolina man was the victim and lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. Now, his family is suing for wrongful death.

Wrongful death

In a recent case of injustice, North Carolina man Jonathon Ferrell was killed after he was shot with 10 bullets—eight at his chest, one in his arm and one in his abdomen—from Officer Randall Kerrick. Police had arrived on the scene after a woman called 911, thinking Ferrell, who had just crashed his car and was looking for help, was an intruder. After three officers arrived, Kerrick shot 12 bullets at Ferrell.  

Ferrell’s family—now suing Kerrick, the city and the county for wrongful death—said the autopsy suggests Ferrell had surrendered and was already on the ground when he was shot, suggesting police brutality had indeed taken place.

Kerrick, an officer since 2011, has now been charged by Charlotte police for voluntary manslaughter and is now on unpaid leave. Video footage from the cop car was found, but it has not been made public.

Justice for police brutality and civil rights injustices

The law is supposed to protect citizens, so when police brutality occurs, it can be hard for victims to report their injustices. It is crucial, though, that the justice system be honored.

Whether it’s in another state like Ferrell was or right here in Chicago, a police brutality lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. If you think you have been the victim of police brutality or civil rights abuse, contact a lawyer like Malman Law