The family of John Crawford III is fighting back.Months after Crawford was killed and a grand jury failed to indict the police officers responsible for his death, Crawford’s family will file a lawsuit against the police officers who killed him, Walmart, and the city of Beavercreek, Ohio.
In a statement from their attorney, Crawford’s family said Walmart was at fault for allowing the rifle BB gun to remain on on a shelf unpackaged. Crawford’s family believes that it was unreasonable and didn’t meet the standards for the retail industry.
The family also believes the police used excessive force by shooting and killing Crawford, who didn’t pose a threat while carrying a toy. A video revealed that police never gave Crawford an opportunity to tell them he was holding a toy rifle he found in the store. The first officer shot Crawford in less than one second after the initial encounter.
The city of Beavercreek responded to the lawsuit by issuing a statement that read, “We believe the evidence will prove the officers were legally justified.”
Crawford’s death, along with the untimely deaths off Eric Garner, Mike Brown, and Tamir Rice, have sparked protests around the world.
Crawford’s family is seeking $75,000 in restitution.
