Wrongful death lawsuit filed in fatal shooting by KC police
The son of a woman shot to death by Kansas City police officers in 2007 has filed suit against the officers and the Board of Police Commissioners.
Police fatally shot Linda Friday inside her south Kansas City home on Feb. 12, 2007.
The wrongful death suit was filed Tuesday in Jackson County Circuit on behalf of Jason Friday, alleging that the officers knew that his mother suffered from mental health issues and they were negligent in handling the situation that escalated into a shooting.
A spokesman said Friday that the police department could not comment on the pending litigation.
According to the lawsuit, two officers were dispatched to Linda Friday’s home after she dialed 911 and asked for an ambulance. She then hung up. One of them knew her to have mental problems because of an earlier incident, the suit alleges.
The officers were greeted by Jason Friday, who told them his mother did not need an ambulance. The officers then went to Linda Friday’s bedroom and she told them she didn’t need help and asked the officers to leave, according to the suit.
When one officer turned off the stereo she was listening to, Linda Friday became agitated and “pulled out a firearm,” according to the lawsuit.
The officers then drew their weapons and fired, striking her three times, the suit alleges.
The suit alleges assault, battery, trespass and negligence because the officers did not call in officers specially trained in dealing with known mentally ill persons.