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NM police sued over fatal camper shooting

Lawsuit filed Friday says the more than 40 officers dispatched to handle James Boyd had “no meaningful control” of the standoff

Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The family of a homeless camper has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Albuquerque police for a fatal shooting that sparked protests and calls for reform throughout the city.

The lawsuit filed Friday in state district court says the more than 40 officers dispatched to handle James Boyd had “no meaningful control” of the standoff, and their lack of training led to his death.

A helmet camera video of the March shooting showed 38-year-old Boyd, who authorities say suffered from schizophrenia, gathering his belongings before officers opened fire.

The shooting sparked widespread calls for Albuquerque police reform, and the U.S. Justice Department later released a scathing review of the agency’s use of force.

The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction requiring the city to take a series of actions.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press

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