Aderrien’s mother, Nakala Murry, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday against the City of Indianola, its police chief, and multiple officers, including Greg Capers, who has been confirmed as the officer involved in the shooting by the Indianola Police Department.
The family of 11-year-old Aderrien Murry from Mississippi has lodged a federal lawsuit seeking $5 million in damages after the child was shot by a police officer
The incident, which occurred on May 20, saw Aderrien shot in the chest by the officer while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the boy’s residence. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, alleges several counts including excessive force, negligence, reckless endangerment, civil assault, and battery, among others, seeking at least $5 million in damages.
According to the lawsuit, Capers failed to assess the situation adequately before using his firearm, resulting in negligence on the part of the city. It further claims that proper training could have prevented the injuries inflicted on the plaintiff. The suit argues that Capers’ actions were willful, wanton, and grossly negligent, showing complete disregard for Aderrien’s rights.
Mayor Ken Featherstone of Indianola expressed a desire for justice but stated that he couldn’t support Capers’ termination until all the facts are known.
Featherstone confirmed that he had not seen the body camera footage or spoken to the officer since the shooting
Aderrien’s mother reported that she had asked her son to call the police when an “irate” father of one of her other children arrived at her home early in the morning on the day of the incident. The officer who responded to the call allegedly approached the house with his gun drawn, instructing those inside to come outside. Aderrien was shot as he turned a corner into the living room.
Aderrien underwent medical treatment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he received a chest tube and was placed on a ventilator due to a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver. He has since been discharged.
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