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Family of Unarmed, Innocent Man Shot to Death By Downey Police Plan to Sue City
The family of an unarmed and — as it turned out — innocent man shot to death by Downey Police officers said that they plan to file a suit against the city.
The man Michael Nida, 31, was shot to death after he ran across the street to buy a pack of cigarettes, while his wife pumped gas. At the same time, Downey Police were looking for an armed and dangerous ATM robber on the loose. When Nida fled twice, police said that it seemed to confirm their suspicion that Nida was their man and they shot him to death as he fled.
Today Nida's family called for a federal investigation into the Downey Police Department and said that they planned to file a suit against the city, according to Downey Beat. Right now the Sheriff's Department is investigating the shooting.
"There is no question in my mind and there should be no question in the community’s mind that Michael Nida was executed," said the family's attorney Brian Claypool. He added that the family planned to file a civil-rights and wrongful-death lawsuit against the city.
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The family also attended Downey's city council meeting last week to speak out against the shooting and ask for the names of the police officers involved. Nida's mother Jean Thaxton also asked the city council why she had been stuck with a $1,000 ambulance bill after his death.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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