The summer of 2014 was the continuation of the the tumultuous relationship between the Black community and law enforcement. Unarmed Black men have been killed wrongfully by police for years, but the public seem to be more awake to the situation than in years passed. The Ferguson, “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black Lives Matter” movements have spawned protests and demonstrations throughout the nation since the summer and into the holiday season after many of the killings were ruled as justified by grand juries. One of the killings that caught a national buzz was that of mentally ill 25-year-old man, Ezell Ford at the hands of two LAPD officers. In reaction to his death, Ford’s family has filed a whopping $75 million federal civil lawsuit against the city of LA.
The family of Ezell Ford claims that his killers, LAPD officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas knew Ford from the neighborhood and were aware of his mental difficulties. According to FOX News:
The suit also claimed that the city, LAPD and 10 unnamed superiors or other officers were part of a culture that tolerated civil rights violations, including racial profiling and excessive force against blacks.
Another issue the family had was the withholding of the autopsy report. Mayor Eric Garcetti guaranteed that it would be released before year’s end and it has been. The autopsy shows that Ezell Ford was shot three times in his right side, right arm and back. Wampler and Villegas claim that they struggled with Ford before shooting him.
According to Police Chief Charlie Beck, “This investigation is far from over,” adding, “there is nothing in the coroner’s report that is inconsistent with officers’ versions of events.” Stay posted for new developments.
CREDIT: David McNew/Getty Images
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