“Family of Isaiah Williams Files Civil Rights and Wrongful Death Lawsuit against Las Vegas Police”

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The family of a man who was fatally shot by Las Vegas police has filed a federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday by Latia Alexander, the mother of Isaiah Williams, alleges that officers violated the “knock-and-announce rule” and violated Williams’ Fourth Amendment rights.

The incident in question occurred on January 10, 2022, when Las Vegas police responded to an apartment complex on S. Nellis Boulevard to execute a search warrant related to a November 2021 homicide investigation.

During a fact-finding review, it was revealed that the November 2021 homicide took place near the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, and the police believed that two suspects were involved. On December 18, 2021, a shooting occurred at 3050 S. Nellis Boulevard, and the same suspect from the November homicide was identified as one of the shooting suspects. On January 10, 2022, at 3:23 a.m., investigators initiated a follow-up call and obtained a search warrant for evidence related to the homicide, leading to SWAT being dispatched to Williams’ apartment.

Officers arrived at the apartment at 5 a.m., and bodycam footage showed them repeatedly announcing themselves as the “Police Department” with a “Search Warrant.” Upon entering the apartment, Williams was seen lying on a couch near the front door, holding a gun. Both Williams and the officers exchanged gunfire.

According to the fact-finding review, a shots fired call was received at 5:01 a.m., and medical personnel were requested to the scene at 5:03 a.m. Williams received medical treatment starting at 5:05 a.m. but was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m. The police reported that Williams had been shot at least 17 times.

The lawsuit filed by Williams’ family alleges that the officers did not possess a “no-knock” warrant and did not have a valid reason to be at the apartment. Furthermore, they claim that the suspect the officers were searching for did not reside there.

“The officers lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion that the suspect, as opposed to other individuals, was actually inside the apartment,” the lawsuit states. It also argues that even if the officers did enter the apartment, they did not provide Williams with enough time to respond to their presence.

The lawsuit highlights that the Fourth Amendment extends to the manner in which police execute valid searches, and it holds the officers’ behavior during the raid responsible for Williams’ death. The family is seeking a minimum of $1 million in damages.

Latia Alexander expressed her frustration with the process, stating that it took a year to receive most of the information and that the warrant is still missing. She emphasized the importance of accountability and holding those responsible for her son’s death.

LVMPD declined to comment on the pending litigation when contacted by Channel 13.

In conclusion, the family of Isaiah Williams is seeking justice through a federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The lawsuit alleges violations of the “knock-and-announce rule” and the Fourth Amendment rights. As the case unfolds, the family hopes to hold the officers accountable for their actions..