Tragic Incident in Los Angeles Sparks $70 Million Lawsuit and Calls for Accountability
In a distressing turn of events, a domestic abuse call turned fatal when a woman named Niani Finlayson was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy in Los Angeles. The incident has prompted a $70 million lawsuit against the L.A. County and the sheriff's office, with the victim's family seeking justice and accountability.
The incident unfolded after Finlayson made a desperate 911 call, pleading for help as a man refused to leave her apartment. As the audio of the call reveals, the dispatcher repeatedly asked about the man's identity, which seemed to only escalate the situation. Unfortunately, the call abruptly ended, leaving Finlayson in grave danger.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered a chaotic and volatile situation. Finlayson was reportedly holding a kitchen knife and had threatened the man, who was revealed to be her former boyfriend. Tragically, the encounter quickly escalated, leading to the fatal shooting. Bodycam footage captured the chilling moments, showing the deputy requesting a taser from a fellow officer before discarding it and ultimately firing his weapon.
For Niani Finlayson's father, Lamont Finlayson, watching the footage was a harrowing experience. He described it as a nightmare, a total disaster, and a train wreck. He emphasized the need for justice, pointing out the lack of proper training and the deputy's history of lethal force.
Bradley Gage, the attorney representing the Finlayson family, criticized the deputies’ tactics, particularly their disregard for less-lethal options. Gage argued that given the 16 minutes Niani spent on the phone with 911, holding the knife, it was not a reasonable belief that she intended to harm anyone. He also highlighted the deputies' failure to issue clear commands and explore non-fatal methods of subduing her.
The impact of this tragic event extends beyond the loss of Niani Finlayson's life. Her nine-year-old daughter, who witnessed the entire ordeal, is said to be deeply traumatized and in need of extensive counseling. The family now seeks justice for Niani and the prosecution of the involved deputies.
In response to the incident, the L.A. County Sheriff's Office has temporarily removed the deputy from duty, pending the outcome of an internal review. The department has pledged to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the deputy's response, tactics, and background.
As the lawsuit continues, the Finlayson family's quest for justice and accountability remains at the forefront. Their hope is that this tragedy will spur necessary changes in law enforcement practices, ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
