MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. First, Philando Castile was shot in Minnesota during a traffic stop while complying with an officer’s request to see his driver’s license. The video of the shooting went viral on Facebook, where it sparked national outrage.
More recently, the New York Times reports that Justine Damond, an Australian women who called 911 to report a crime, was later shot by Minneapolis police when they arrived in her affluent neighborhood where she reported that an assault may have been taking place. While the police were wearing body cameras, the cameras were not turned on. Police have been recently required to wear body cameras as a result of recent shootings and in an attempt to increase transparency in the force. It is unclear why these cameras were not rolling.
Police shootings have become a major national concern. According to the New York Times, in recent years, several high-profile cases have reached national news. In these cases, black youth were shot and killed by police who were later not convicted for these shootings. Instead, the families have pursued legal settlements. The family of Michael Brown is reported to have received $1.5 million from the city of Ferguson. Tamir Rice’s family received a reported $6 million from Cleveland. And Pleasantville, New York has been reported to agree to pay the family of Danroy Henry, Jr. an estimated $6 million. Most recently, the family of Philando Castile agreed to a reported $2.99 million settlement.
Police forces across the country have faced increased scrutiny for use of force. The criminal justice system has repeatedly failed to convict officers who have shot individuals. Police brutality against individuals can also be hard to fight in the criminal justice system. In many instances, if a loved one is injured or killed in a police interaction, the only option family members have is to pursue a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. Critics of the settlements claim that no amount of money can equal to proper justice for the families.
The recent Minneapolis shooting has triggered both a local, national, and even an international outcry. According to ABC News in Australia, family and friends are struggling to process how a yoga teacher and former veterinarian could be shot by police.
Anyone can be at risk of police brutality or violence, though individuals from minority groups are disproportionately affected. What can you do if you believe you may be a victim of police brutality or violence? First of all, take photos of injuries and seek medical care. Write down the names of witnesses who may have seen the events unfold. If you had a cell phone and taped the incident, save the video. Write down or record the exact events that took place. Don’t exaggerate the story. Your personal account may prove helpful in court, later. Consider speaking to a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, like the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino. There are many factors that must be considered in a police shooting or police brutality case. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Visit https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more.