Accident – death – Obituary News :

Family Files $30 Million Wrongful death Lawsuit After Young Mother killed in Domestic Dispute

Introduction

A young mother’s family has filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and L.A. County following her tragic killing during a domestic dispute in Lancaster. The family of Niani Finlayson, 27, gathered at a vigil on Saturday to honor her memory and highlight her status as a victim of domestic violence. Finlayson was shot and killed in front of her 9-year-old daughter while trying to protect them both.

The Incident

On December 4, deputies received a distress call from Finlayson, pleading for help as her boyfriend refused to leave her alone. Authorities could hear screams and sounds of a struggle in the background during the phone call. Responding to the call, deputies arrived at an apartment where they heard an argument taking place inside. As officers attempted to enter the residence, Finlayson opened the front door while holding a large kitchen knife, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

Finlayson informed the deputies that she intended to stab her boyfriend for pushing her daughter. She then moved towards her boyfriend, still holding the knife, prompting the deputies to take action. In the ensuing struggle, a deputy-involved shooting occurred, resulting in Finlayson being struck by gunfire and collapsing to the floor. The deputy involved in the fatal shooting has been identified as Ty Shelton.

The Lawsuit

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Finlayson’s family asserts that she had called for help after her former boyfriend had strangled her and harmed their daughter. Tracy Hall, Finlayson’s mother, expressed disbelief, questioning how the law enforcement officers, who are entrusted with ensuring protection, failed to do so and instead devastated their lives. Lamont Finlayson, Niani’s father, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that she called for help in a violent domestic situation, but the officers treated her as the perpetrator rather than the victim.

Bradley Gage, the attorney representing Finlayson’s family, emphasized the need for officers to be trained not to use lethal force when they are unsure of the situation or the individuals involved. He highlighted the potential danger to Finlayson’s 9-year-old daughter, who could have also been harmed during the incident.

Response from the Sheriff’s Department

In response to the incident, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department released a statement acknowledging the seriousness of all deputy-involved shootings. They confirmed that the body-worn camera footage of the incident would be released earlier than required, demonstrating their commitment to transparency. The department also highlighted their rigorous review process, which includes examination by the Office of Inspector General to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, will conduct a legal analysis to determine if any criminal charges should be filed and if the shooting was legally justified. The department emphasized its dedication to protecting diverse communities without bias or prejudice.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Niani Finlayson has sparked a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and L.A. County. Finlayson’s family alleges that she was a victim of domestic violence and called for help, only to be shot and killed by law enforcement officers. The incident has raised questions about the training and response of officers in such situations. The department has promised transparency by releasing the body-worn camera footage and ensuring a thorough review process. The investigation into the incident continues, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact LASD’s homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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