Family of Dead Teen to File Wrongful Death Suit Against Sheriff’s Office
Jan 22, 2013
Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) January 21, 2013 – The family of an autistic teenager, shot by police, plan to sue the sheriff’s department.
Family members of an autistic teen shot and killed by a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy are planning to file a wrongful death suit naming the Sheriff’s Office as a defendant, according to their lawyers.
The victim, Michael Camberdella, was shot dead by Sheriff’s deputy William L. Goldstein when the officer responded to a domestic disturbance call.
Tampa wrongful death attorney Robert Joyce, who is not involved in the case, commented, “This shooting deserves to be investigated. If the victim’s family members feel that the Sheriff’s Office is not dealing with the incident properly, this wrongful death lawsuit is probably their best option.”
According to police, the sheriff’s office received a report of a domestic disturbance at the Camberdellas’ home near Boynton Beach on the morning of October 4, 2012. Deputy Goldstein headed for the home when a second call came in saying Camberdella had his mother in a headlock and was armed with a hammer.
When Goldstein arrived, Camberdella was allegedly standing outside, wielding the hammer and a pair of gardening shears. In the following moments, Goldstein fired six shots at the teen, killing him. The family’s attorneys dispute the deputy’s account of the incident, claiming Camberdella was unarmed.
According to police records, Camberdella had a history of violent behavior and mental disturbances.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that Goldstein, a police officer of four years who had never before shot a suspect, did not know whether Camberdella had already killed his mother when he confronted him and feared for his own safety.
A spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office said that an investigation into the shooting was ongoing and they could not comment.
“In cases like this, where families feel a crime has been committed and is not being prosecuted, a civil wrongful death suit is an important consideration,” added Mr. Joyce. “Anyone in such a situation should consult an experienced wrongful death attorney.”
To learn more or to contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer at the Joyce & Reyes Law Firm, P.A. visit http://www.joyceandreyespa.com/ or call 1.888.771.1529.
Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A.
307 S Hyde Park Ave,
Tampa, FL 33606
Call: 813.251.2007
