CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Keith Scott’s widow, Rakeyia Scott, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Brentley Vinson for the wrongful death of her husband back in September 2016. 

Previously Reported:

Scott was shot by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer which sparked protests and riots. The district attorney later ruled that the shooting was justified. 

Attorneys representing the family tried to settle this case with the city earlier this year, but they were unsuccessful. They are now leaving it up to the 12 jurors to decide what will happen next.

The lawsuit states the City of Charlotte and officer Brentley Vinson's “gross negligence,” caused the wrongful death of Keith Scott.

Charles Monnett, one of three attorneys representing Scott's family, says they're suing the city since it oversees the police department as a whole and the training officers receive along with officer Vinson for individual actions.

Monnett says Scott's widow would have preferred to settle it outside of the courthouse, but she also wants justice for what happened.

The city released a statement saying, "The filing of the lawsuit is not unexpected. We will respond to the allegations through the judicial process.”

Councilmembers like Braxton Winston say there has been progress since that shooting and the ensuing violent protests.

"I think there have been things that have changed in terms of conversations overall in the city. I think that extends from the big picture of the city down to individual departments in our government, down to individuals in our community. We have a long way to go. This is taking institutional change," Winston said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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