Wrongful death lawsuit filed in federal court over Pueblo county Sheriff's deputy shooting
Date
2/22/2023 4:26:08 AM
(MENAFN) A year after the fatal shooting of Richard Ward, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in federal court on behalf of his family. The incident took place outside Liberty Point International Middle School on Feb. 22, 2022, as school was letting out. According to CBS Colorado's Rick Sallinger, Ward was at the school to pick up his younger brother when he got out of the car to stretch his legs.
While outside, Ward tried to get into a car he thought was his, but it turned out to be someone else's. Deputies were called to the scene, and by the time they arrived, Ward was already in the back seat of the car he came in, which belonged to his mother, Kristy Ward Stamp. She and her boyfriend were also in the car, as reported by The Denver Post.
Attorneys for the family have released body camera footage of the incident, which shows students walking past as the situation unfolds. The video shows Ward in the back seat of the car with his mother and her boyfriend when deputies approach with guns drawn. Despite Ward's attempts to explain the situation and identify himself, a deputy fired several shots, killing him.
The lawsuit alleges that the deputy used excessive and unnecessary force, violated Ward's constitutional rights, and caused emotional distress and other damages to his family. The family's attorneys argue that Ward was not a threat to anyone and that the deputy could have used other means to de-escalate the situation.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement. The lawsuit seeks damages and changes to police policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the case moves forward in federal court, Ward's family and supporters continue to mourn his loss and demand justice for his death.
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