Family of Victor Perez, disabled 17-year-old shot dead by police, intends to sue city of Pocatello for wrongful death
The family of Victor Perez, the 17-year-old Idaho autistic boy with cerebral palsy who died after he was shot by police outside his home earlier this month, notified the city of Pocatello of its intention to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit for "negligent" conduct and for using excessive force.
The family of Victor Perez, the 17-year-old Idaho autistic boy with cerebral palsy who died after he was shot by police outside his home earlier this month, notified the city of Pocatello of its intention to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit for "negligent" conduct and for using excessive force.
Perez's April 5 death prompted protests locally and made headlines across the country after video emerged of four officers shooting him multiple times, just seconds after arriving, having briefly instructed him to drop the knife he was holding.
Perez suffered brain damage in the shooting and was declared brain dead. He died after being taken off life support on Saturday, and his funeral was held on Tuesday. "As a result, the Pocatello Police Department caused the death of Victor Perez," an administrative claim said, a precursor to a lawsuit.
Victor Perez. Ana Vasquez via APThe claim was filed on behalf of Perez's grandfather and guardian, his mother, and his aunt. A notice of administrative claim is required before filing a lawsuit.
California law firm Burris Nisembaum Curry & Lacy wrote to officials in Pocatallo and Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, informing them of the forthcoming lawsuit and saying the family "suffered emotional distress caused by witnessing the negligent conduct of the involved officers."
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