Jayland Walker family files lawsuit a year after police shooting

Akron, Ohio — almost a year later Jayland Walker Murdered by Akron police during an overnight chase, his family is now suing in federal court in Ohio, alleging police officers “used excessive force.”

The lawsuit, announced Friday, is against the city of Akron and the eight police officers involved in the shooting. The lawsuit also names Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett as defendants.

“This lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, seeks damages of $1 million and at least $45 million for each bullet that hit Jayland Walker,” according to a press release. matter.

The Walker family legal team held a press conference today at 2:00 pm to discuss the lawsuit. You can watch it again below.

Lawyers Bobby DiCello and Kenneth Abano, as well as Walker’s mother and sister, attended the press conference inside Akron First Congregational Church on East Market Street. Pastor Robert DeJournette will also speak.

“It’s been a year since Jayland Walker was violently separated from his family and he still hasn’t done justice and responsibility,” DiCello said in a press release. “The City of Akron and the Police Department have been given every opportunity to participate in a fair process to address what happened on June 27th last year. They hold officers accountable at all times. Now we have to get involved in the judicial process to achieve what the city never wanted: hold these officials accountable for their actions. We will use the system to ensure that Jayland Walker and his family get the justice they deserve.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has issued a statement following a months-long investigation into the Walker shooting. In mid-April, none of the eight police officers involved announced criminal charges would be filed..

Yost clarified the April 17 grand jury’s “no bill” decision, stating that “even if there were legal justification, the horrific and permanent damage from Jayland Walker’s death would not change.” Told. Mine can give his family great comfort. “

The incident began at around 12:30 a.m. on June 27, when Walker led police in a chase through multiple streets. State prosecutors confirmed that police were trying to stop Walker because his taillight was broken and that the same vehicle was parked. caught in a similar pursuit Eve in New Franklin.

“There is no doubt that [Walker] I actually shot a police officer,” Yost declared when discussing the findings of the investigation.

The car slowed down near East Wilbeth Road and Claremont Avenue, and Walker eventually got out of the car in a Bridgestone parking lot, still wearing a ski mask. According to Yost, Walker ignored “multiple orders from officers to show his hands and stop” and put his hands on his waistband in what Walker described as “a cross-shaped motion by several officers.” He stretched out, stepped on his leg, and turned to face him,” he said, adding that officers tried to taser him earlier. The police raised their hands and said, “

“The officers had no idea at the time that Mr. Walker had left the gun he had just purchased in his car,” police said, adding that his earlier firing would allow officers to use deadly force. It added that it could be classified as a “lethal threat.” protect their own lives.

Eight officers, whose identities have not been identified, were placed on administrative leave in accordance with departmental procedures before returning to work. Assigned to administrative duties a few months later in October.

Walker’s death sparked protests across Akron. Body camera shooting video release.

The Summit County coroner’s office later released a report stating: Walker had nearly 40 entrances/scratches The results of the shooting were as follows.

• Seventeen gunshot wounds damaged the pelvis and upper legs, causing internal injuries to the right iliac artery (the main artery to the leg), bladder, and fractures to the pelvis and upper leg bones (femurs).
• Fifteen gunshot wounds damaged his torso and caused internal injuries to his heart, lungs, liver, spleen, left kidney, intestines, and multiple ribs.
• One bullet hit him in the face, breaking his jaw.
• He suffered eight gunshot wounds to his arm and right hand.
• He suffered five gunshot wounds to his knee, right lower leg and right leg.

A toxicology test was negative for drugs and alcohol, and Walker had no criminal record. Authorities also cited the following “evidence of medical intervention” on Walker’s body to determine whether officers attempted to help Walker after he was shot.

• Tourniquet on leg and left arm.
• Gauze was applied to the chest and abdominal wounds.
• Seal the two wounds on the chest with glue.
• Defibrillator pads on chest.

3News has obtained a copy of the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. In addition to Horrigan and Mylett, it also specifically names five other senior Akron police officers.

• Captain Daniel Marx
• Sergeant Michael Pasternak
• Sergeant Vincent Tersini
• Chief Sergeant Michael Orlando
• Sergeant Todd Shinsley

Notably, however, the eight police officers involved in Walker’s death are not named, only referred to as “Police Shooters” Nos. 1-8. Lawyers for the Walker family have requested that their names be withheld for now, but will leave the final decision to the courts. In addition, he is also listed as 10 anonymous “Jon Does”.

The plaintiffs argue that the police should never have chased Jayland Walker in the first place, and Walker’s decision to turn around to the intersection where police saw Jayland Walker for the second time with allegedly cracked taillights. argues that it was not a sufficient reason to initiate the pursuit. he.

Regarding Walker firing the gun, the complaint also alleges that the bullet was “undirected.” andPolice also criticized the deputy officer who radioed ‘Signal 21’ for help, claiming that he and his partner “did not see any threatening gestures, suspected gunshots or other actions”. bottom.instructed action and They ”and even ”muzzle flashes in their direction”.

DiCello said the case goes beyond Walker’s death and said he believed it would reveal systemic problems within the Akron Police Department.