Wrongful death: Gunshot wound kills young police officer

A rookie police officer in California, whose field training was completed only recently, died from gunshot wounds on a recent Thursday. Although the alleged shooter is also dead, a wrongful death lawsuit might be filed against his estate. Reportedly, the 22-year-old officer followed in her father’s footsteps, who himself was a deputy in Colusa County for 26 years.

According to an incident report, the police officer responded to a car accident at approximately 6:45 p.m. She was busy talking to a motorist who was involved in the traffic accident when she was shot. It is believed that the shooter had no part in the crash. The officer was rushed to a medical facility, but she succumbed to the gunshot wound later.

A citywide search followed, and law enforcement later found the suspect who had barricaded himself inside a home. After hours of unsuccessful coaxing to get the suspect to come out, a robot was sent in to ignite flash-bang grenades. It was after this procedure that police entered the home and found that the suspect had killed himself.

When California families lose loved ones in incidents such as this one, they will likely have questions about their legal rights to recover damages. An experienced wrongful death attorney can answer their questions and determine the viability of a civil lawsuit. If grounds exist, the lawyer can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout the legal proceedings in pursuit of financial relief to cover economic and noneconomic losses. If the person who is deemed negligent is deceased, his or her estate could be named the defendant in the lawsuit.