The family of Secoriea Turner is suing the city of Atlanta, the mayor, and the police chief over her 2020 shooting death.
The 8-year-old girl was shot and killed on July 4 while riding in the car with her mother near the Atlanta Wendy’s where police gunned down Rayshard Brooks.
Their car was blocked in by a group of armed men who were protesting Brooks’ shooting death.
When Secoriea’s mother, Charmaine Turner, turned her car around to drive away, the men fired eight shots into the vehicle killing the child.
Attorney Shean Williams announced the family had filed a complaint in Fulton County State Court accusing Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and other officials of being “negligent in their duties” to protect Secoriea.
By agreeing to allow Councilmember Sheperd more time to negotiate with armed civilians who had commandeered the area surrounding 125 University Avenue SW, and by ordering APD officers to stand down and refrain from proactive policing and by standing by and letting vigilantism disrupt the streets, Mayor Bottoms and Interim Chief Bryant failed to carry out their duties in protecting the health and safety of the affected community.
The Mayor’s office declined to comment on the suit, but they did condemn the senseless act of violence that resulted in Secoriea’s death.
The murder of Secoriea Turner, as a result of senseless gun violence, is a tragedy that no family should have to endure.
Due to the anticipated litigation, the city will offer no further comment at this time.
My continued prayers to the family.
Source: AJC
