CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago police officer responding to a domestic disturbance in 2015 says he knew a woman was standing close to a bat-wielding teen when he opened fire, killing both.
The Chicago Tribune reports lawyers for the family of 55-year-old Bettie Jones have filed a motion arguing Officer Robert Rialmo’s acknowledgment, along with other evidence and testimony, amounts to an admission of legal liability. They say the family’s lawsuit should proceed to trial to determine how much money should be awarded to Jones’ survivors.
Rialmo’s lawyer, Joel Brodsky, says the stipulation reflects the facts of the case and his client was nonetheless justified in shooting at Quintonio LeGrier. Rialmo said in a sworn deposition that LeGrier swung the bat at him, causing him to fear for his life.
Cook County prosecutors in February declined to press criminal charges in the case.
