Chicago police officer sues victim's family over shooting

A white Chicago police officer who killed a black 19-year old college student is suing the teenager's estate.

CHICAGO — A Chicago police officer who fatally shot a 19-year-old college student and accidentally killed his 55-year-old neighbor has filed a lawsuit against the teen's estate seeking emotional and punitive damages.

Police blunders against the black have become quite usual in the U.S, but it is sometimes victim's families struggle for justice. However, Chicago's affair has become nonsensical as the police officer who killed a 19 year old young man in December 2005 now turns against his family, to whom he claims 10 million dollars (50 Crores) from damages caused by the trauma he experienced.

Authorities have said LeGrier died from multiple gunshot wounds after the December 26 shooting. A neighbor, Bettie Jones, 55, was also killed. Police have described Jones as a victim who was "accidentally struck and tragically killed." They've described LeGrier as a "combative subject."

The officer had his gun holstered and backed up as he shouted orders for LeGrier to drop the bat, the court document says. It was only after LeGrier continued his approach and ignored the officer's commands that Rialmo opened fire, according to the lawsuit.

Such a lawsuit by an officer is extraordinarily unusual, said Phil Turner, a former federal prosecutor and current defence attorney who is not connected to the case. Speaking to the Associated Press news agency, he questioned whether a judge would give it any merit and said it appeared intended to intimidate Mr LeGrier's family.

He said he had never heard of an officer blaming his shooting victim for causing trauma.