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.
-
Indiana's statewide tornado drill is Tuesday morning: Here's how to be ready
During this drill, you may hear outdoor warning sirens or get alerts on your phone. In the morning, these alerts are all part of a test.
Gov. Braun says energy affordability plan is working. Here's what's changed.
Governor Mike Braun held a press conference Monday, highlighting what he says are early results from Indiana's new approach to lowering energy costs for ratepayers.
Is downtown Indy safe? Residents and police respond following weekend violence
A string of violence in the downtown area over the weekend has put some residents on edge. Now, police are responding to the surge in crime and what they're doing to help.
BBB issues alert on Greenwood pool company following customers' complaints
The Better Business Bureau has issued an alert about a Greenwood-based pool company, alleging they have a pattern of complaints.
