– Deputies kill homeowner during raid on brother-in-law
– Lawsuit filed by wife claims wrongful death in raid.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Police Shooting in Tennessee
A tragic incident in Sevier County, Tennessee has resulted in a $8 million wrongful death lawsuit being filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in Knoxville. The lawsuit alleges that law enforcement officers shot and killed a homeowner during a raid looking for the man’s brother-in-law who was inside his home.
The victim, David Wright, a 63-year-old husband, was fatally shot on the evening of May 12, 2023, during a multi-agency operation conducted by the Sevierville Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. His wife, Vickie Wright, has taken legal action against Sevier County, the city of Sevierville, and six law enforcement officers who were involved in the raid.
Details of the Incident
According to the lawsuit, the events leading up to the shooting began when a Sevierville police officer attempted to stop Vickie Wright’s brother, Daryl Higdon, who was wanted for driving with a suspended license. After a failed attempt to stop him, a joint operation was initiated to arrest Higdon, who was believed to be staying with his sister and her husband.
During the operation, law enforcement officers approached the Wright home, where they encountered Higdon on the back porch. Despite officers demanding entry into the home, a confrontation ensued when Higdon allegedly reached for a shotgun. Gunfire erupted, leading to a chaotic exchange of shots between the officers and the residents.
Tragically, David Wright was fatally shot in the head by a deputy during the incident. Vickie Wright, who was also hit by bullet fragments, was handcuffed and placed in a police car without receiving immediate medical attention.
Legal Action and Allegations
In her lawsuit, Vickie Wright alleges that the law enforcement officers involved failed to coordinate and communicate effectively, leading to the tragic outcome. She claims that the officers’ actions were “conscience-shocking” and violated both her and her husband’s constitutional rights.
The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages for David Wright’s death and $3 million in damages for Vickie Wright’s injuries. Despite investigations by the Sevier County District Attorney’s Office, no law enforcement officers have been disciplined or charged in connection with the incident.
Sevier County, located in eastern Tennessee, is about a 50-mile drive southeast of Knoxville.
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deputies kill homeowner during raid
lawsuit claims deputies kill homeowner.
