INDIANAPOLIS — The lawsuit against the city of Indianapolis stemming from the death of a man shot and killed during protests in downtown Indianapolis in May 2020 has been dismissed.
Chris Beaty was shot and killed in downtown Indianapolis in May 2020 during protests. In May 2022, his mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming the city and officials violated Beaty's 14th amendment rights by failing to protect him and the public by failing to provide adequate training to police officers.
On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed that lawsuit.
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt’s dismissal stated the claims of Cooper and her attorneys did not rise to the level of showing that the city created or enhanced the danger Beaty would have faced even if there was no police presence at all.
Pratt stated her feelings of empathy for Beaty's mother, Debra Cooper, but stated “the constitution does not guarantee Beaty’s safety from criminals.”
Judge Pratt says the lawsuit is unable to connect the protests in downtown Indy to the crime that was committed against Beaty.
“Apart from the crime occurring in the same region of the City and around the time the protests ended, there is no factual allegation that supports a finding that the protests and Beaty’s murder are connected—let alone that the crime was somehow caused by the Defendants,” Pratt said.
The final ruling reads:
“The Complaint is devoid of facts that any Defendant acted to create or enhance a danger Beaty otherwise would not have faced. Unfortunately, while acting as a ‘good Samaritan,’ the danger for Beaty was created by Beaty and not by the Defendants. Accordingly, the Court concludes that the Estate has not alleged sufficient facts to support a finding that the Defendants, through any acts or omissions, created or increased the danger to Beaty.”
Three people have been charged in connection with Beaty’s death.
-
Pacers fans proud after historic finals run, despite Game 7 loss
Just hours after the Indiana Pacers’ emotional end to a historic season, change is already in the air and on the walls of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indy Parks seeking advice from Clermont residents for $1 million park makeover
Robey Park is in need of a makeover. Parts of the playground are rusted and covered in graffiti, and the park's basketball court has grass growing from cracks in the asphalt.
Preventing hot car deaths: How one family's tragedy inspired change
Each year, more than 30 children lose their lives after being left in hot cars across the United States, according to the National Safety Council.
Stay cool: Maintaining your air conditioning during a heat wave
As temperatures soar during the current heat wave, many residents are feeling the pressure of malfunctioning air conditioning systems.
