Attorneys representing the family of slain teenager Fred Cox announced on Wednesday their intention to file a civil lawsuit against the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the deputy who shot Cox.
A press conference held on Wednesday was a continuation of a June press conference at which Rev. Gregory Drumwright and others said the family would take civil action after a grand jury decided not to bring charges against the MP, the Cox at a funeral had shot service in November.
More:Fred Cox’s family condemns the grand jury’s decision not to indict the MP who was accused of the fatal shooting
In both the June press conference and Wednesday, family representatives said they would exhaust all legal options despite the grand jury’s decision. In particular, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, one of the lawyers working on the Fred Cox case, said the team was planning to ask the Federal Department of Justice for involvement.
“Just because the local prosecutor [Avery Crump] said they won’t give Fred Cox’s mother Tenicka Shannon]her day in court, that doesn’t mean she won’t get her day in court, “said Benjamin Crump.” We’re going to the Justice Department, Civil Rights Division, to open an investigation into the matter. ”
Benjamin Crump, flanked by attorneys and Cox family members, explained their reasons for filing a civil lawsuit. In essence, Wednesday’s press conference served as a sort of refresher on past press conferences that arose from this case.
Similar to a press conference in March, attorney Antonio Romanucci went through the facts discovered during the official autopsy.
“Make no mistake, there shouldn’t have been any violence,” said Romanucci. “This was in no way, shape, or form justified.”
More:Autopsy confirms that Fred Cox died from gunshot wounds
Romanucci highlighted the diagram from Cox’s autopsy, showing that there were no frontal entry wounds.
“The entrance wounds are in the back,” said Romanucci, indicating that Cox was about to run away. “Attorney General Avery Crump, where are you? We want to bring charges here.”
Attorney Bhavani Raveendran said normal sheriff’s office practices will also play a role in the case.
Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons was largely a mother after the press conference announcing a civil lawsuit against his office.
“We didn’t see a lawsuit, we weren’t served anything,” said Simmons. “It’s hard to comment on something we haven’t even seen before.”
Benjamin Crump said the Cox case is set to become a stepping stone for other cases.
“Fred Cox will be the foundation of this movement here in North Carolina,” said Crump.
Ultimately, Benjamin Crump and others believe they have a solid case.
“Here behind me … is the Greensboro and Federal Court [across the street] is the Historic Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, “said Romanucci. We hope justice meets somewhere in between.”
Dean-Paul Stephens addresses racial justice. Follow him on Twitter @DeanPEStephens. If you have any tips, email [email protected].
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