This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Family of Murdered Teen Files Wrongful Death Suit Against LA Co.
Jamiel Shaw
The tragic March 2008 murder of 17-year-old high school football standout Jamiel Shaw made national headlines, and led to a movement to get legislation on the books that would grant "Los Angeles police officers the right to arrest undocumented gang members before they commit crimes," according to cbs2. But "Jamiel's Law" and its supporters "did not obtain enough signatures to place the measure on the May city election ballot."Now Shaw's parents and brother have filed a suit against LA County, naming Sheriff Lee Baca and the alleged murderer, undocumented immigrant and known gang member Pedro Espinoza, as the suit's defendants. The Shaws are claiming "wrongful death," in addition to "negligence, violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act and deprivation of civil rights." They believe that "Espinoza, a Latino, targeted Shaw because he is black."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
