In November, a rookie NYPD officer shot and killed an unarmed man in the stairwell of Brooklyn housing project. Now, the man's family has announced its plan to file a $50 million lawsuit against the city.
Akai Gurley, 28, was killed on Nov. 20 when Probationary Officer Peter Liang shot him during a sweep of the Pink Houses. Liang reportedly discharged his service weapon accidentally, striking Gurley in the chest. Following the shooting, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton called Gurley a "total innocent."
According to the Associated Press, Gurley's family intends to sue the city, the NYPD, the two officers involved, and the housing authority:
Kimberly Ballinger, the domestic partner of Akai Gurley and mother of his toddler daughter, filed one claim against the city, the New York Police Department and officers Peter Liang and Shaun Landau. Another notice of claim was filed against the New York City Housing Authority.
The shooting death of Akai by the police was reckless and should not have happened, Ballinger said at a news conference. "Akai was a great father and a good person who didn't deserve to die like he did.
The claim will be reviewed by the city's Law Department, but the Associated Press notes that a notice of claim must be filed prior to a lawsuit.
Gurley's' death was ruled a homicide, and Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said he plans to present evidence in the case to a grand jury.
[via Associated Press]
