Family of Beth Jones accused the Chicago Police for her "accidental" death. The law firm Power Rogers & Smith said the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday against the city of Chicago at Cook County Circuit Court.
According to CBS Chicago, Bettie Jones was gravely shot on Dec. 26 by an officer in an answer to a local disturbance call in the 4700 block of West Erie Street. The police described her shooting as an accident; she was struck as she opened the front door as the police arrived and entered the house. One of Jones' five daughters, Latisha Jones, was in the house when the incident occurred and she claims with the firm that intentional infliction of emotional distress happened to her.
Another innocent person was shot, 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier as Chicago Sun Times reported. It was Le Grier's father who made the call saying that he was being threatened by his son. Police claimed that Le Grier became combative with them. LeGrier's father has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. In the lawsuit, the firm stated that an officer told Latisha Jones that she should get over her mother's death as she asked for assistance.
Furthermore, the lawsuit also claims that Jones never was a danger or threat of harm to police or any other person. It also stated they should have never fired at her because there was no legal reason to do so as she was never armed with anything harmful, NBC Chicago said. The police have yet to respond with the lawsuit that at least seeks $100,000 in damages said a spokesperson of the city.
A statement was issued by the Chicago Police in the day of the shooting and they said that the officers were attacked as they entered the house of the victims. It resulted to them using their weapons which severely injured two individuals. The statement also said, "The 55-year-old female victim was accidentally struck and tragically killed. The department extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends."
