The city of Los Angeles finds itself entangled in a high-stakes legal battle as it confronts a $100 million lawsuit alleging that the use of a Taser by the LAPD led to the death of Keenan Anderson during a January incident. The announcement of the lawsuit was made by members of Anderson’s family at a press conference held in Ladera Heights, with prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Carl Douglas lending their support.
Medical Examiner’s Findings vs. Family’s Belief
While the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner determined that Anderson’s death was a result of an enlarged heart and cocaine use, the family firmly believes that his demise was caused by cardiac arrest triggered by repeated Taser shocks administered by the officers. Douglas, highlighting the family’s perspective, stated, “I care not what the coroner’s office says in terms of his having cocaine in his system at the time of his death.”
The Incident Unfolds
According to the LAPD’s account, the incident began when Anderson, a 31-year-old individual, was involved in a hit-and-run accident and was subsequently approached by an officer. Parts of the encounter were captured on police body camera footage, which was later released to the public. The footage shows the officers deploying Taser shocks before transporting Anderson to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead several hours later.
Legal Dispute Escalates
While the coroner has provided a cause of death for Anderson, the investigation is still underway to determine the “manner of death.” In the weeks following the incident, on January 21, Anderson’s family filed a $50 million claim against the city, arguing that the officers involved lacked proper training and asserting the use of “deadly force.” Regrettably, the city denied the claim put forth by the family, further escalating the legal dispute. Anderson, originally from Washington D.C., was visiting family in Los Angeles at the time of the incident. He was not only a cousin of Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, but also a teacher.
Broader Implications
As the wrongful death lawsuit unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the LAPD’s actions and raises crucial questions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for both the city of Los Angeles and the broader conversation surrounding police conduct and accountability.