INDIANAPOLIS — The mother of a man killed during May 2020 protests in downtown Indianapolis is suing the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Debra Cooper — the mother of Chris Beaty — claims officials violated Beaty's 14th amendment rights by failing to protect him and the general public by failing to provide adequate training to police officers. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana.
The suit names Mayor Joe Hogsett and IMPD Chief Randall Taylor in their individual and professional capacities.
It alleges Hogsett "failed to provide for and maintain the public safety in downtown Indianapolis." and that the City failed to provide training for police officers, "the need of which was obvious and the inadequacy of training was likely to result in a violation of constitutional rights." It goes on to claim, "The municipal entity demonstrated a deliberate indifference to the rights of the plaintiff by failing to provide such training."
In addition, it claims IMPD failed to properly train its officers to implement an Incident Action Plan in the event of a protest following the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. The suit says Taylor was responsible for implementing the IAP.
Beaty, 38, was fatally shot on May 30 as he walked through the alley near his apartment building after a robbery had occurred. He was a business owner, former IU football player and Cathedral High School graduate.
"We believe Chris Beaty was shot and killed doing what we know to be his nature — taking care of his neighbors and his city," Marion County Prosecutor Mears previously said.
Three people — Marcus Anderson, Alijah Jones, and Nekeyah Shields — have been charged in connection with Beaty's death.
WRTV has reached out to the Mayor's Office as well as Cooper and her attorney for comment.
IMPD Lt. and spokesman Shane Foley said in a written statement, Out of respect for the judicial process, we do not comment on pending litigation."
-
National Wear Red Day is Feb. 6: Show your support for heart health
February marks American Heart Month, and Friday, February 6, is National Wear Red Day, a nationwide movement to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
IU Health art therapy intern helps patients through her own trauma experience
Lauren Belcher is introducing the patient to the art therapy program. It's about using art activities to help trauma patients process difficult experiences.
Transit advocates want to see more benches at bus stops across Indianapolis
Wednesday was Transit Equity Day. An initiative through Central Indiana Cycling and People We Meet on the Bus is trying to get more benches like this at bus stops across Indianapolis.
Noblesville Schools to cut staff due to financial challenges
Officials at Noblesville Schools announced on Wednesday that they will have to make some staffing reductions in the coming weeks due to significant financial challenges.
