The family of Assaf Deri, an Israeli shot and killed by police in California, has filed a $51 million wrongful death claim against the Burbank Police Department, alleging Deri was killed because of his Middle Eastern appearance. The claim, which is a precursor to a lawsuit, was filed on June 24 by the family living in Israel.
Deri, 25, was shot and killed by undercover officers last year after his vehicle was boxed in by police in an alley, the claim said.
The claim alleged that Deri was killed because of his appearance and because he was wrongfully perceived to be Muslim.
Police officials previously have said that officers opened fire after Deri drove his car into narcotics Detective Scott Meadows, who was treated and released from a hospital.
An internal investigation was conducted and Burbank police in March decided the shooting by Meadows and Sgt. Jose Duran was within department policy. Deri was under surveillance as part of a narcotics investigation, police said.
The claim, however, said that Deri had no prior criminal record, was not engaging in illegal or suspicious behavior at the time of the incident and also wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The claim also alleged that police tried to justify the killing by conducting a "fruitless search" without probable cause for contraband at Deri's home.
Deri's parents, Pinchas and Yehudit, live in Israel and missed the standard six-month deadline to file a claim. Their lawyers said they were told by police that they should not take any action until after an internal investigation and district attorney's probe were completed in eight months to a year.
After consulting with an attorney in June, the claim was filed along with an application to extend the deadline by six months.
"Everyone involved in trying to sweep this heinous crime under the table needs to stand up and be accountable to the Deri family," said family attorney Browne Greene. "We will do everything in our power to see that they have their day in court and that justice is served."
The Los Angeles Police Department also was named in the claim because its officers allegedly were at the scene.
The Burbank city attorney's office did not immediately return a phone call Friday seeking comment.
Poster Comment:
They thought he was some lowdown goy not a Master Race type.