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Sheriff's Department May Settle With Mitrice Richardson's Family For $900K
Mitrice Richardson
The family of Mitrice Richardson have long believed the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department mishandled their daughter's case, and today those still-bereaved loved ones are closer to reaching a settlement with the law enforcement agency.A $900,000 lawsuit settlement is pending, though the LASD say they will not comment until the deal is finalized, according to L.A. Now.
Richardson's body was recovered almost a full year after she went missing following her release from the LASD's Malibu station. The 24-year-old college student had been taken into custody after an outburst at a Malibu restaurant when she refused to pay her bill.
Her family believe the young woman had been in the midst of a mental breakdown, based on what they gleaned about her state of mind based on her possessions at the time of her arrest. Richardson was released at midnight, without transportation, a cellphone, or her purse, and presumably she wandered in the hilly area until she died; her family has expressed outrage at the manner in which Richardson was let go.
A body recovered in the area was ultimately identified as Richardson, however her family has also been critical of the process of the body's removal from the area. Bones found months later are thought to also belong to Richardson.
Recently, Richardson's remains were exhumed so an independent examination could take place. Richardson's mother sought the involvement of the FBI in a re-opened investigation of her daughter's death. Richardson's father has spoken of his hurt that he has not found justice for his daughter's death.
Should the settlement be approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Richardson's parents will split the sum.
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