Family of Teen Shot by Police Files Wrongful Death Suit

Malcolm Gracia's family filed the complaint on Monday

The family of a 15-year-old boy fatally shot by officers in 2012 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the New Bedford, Massachusetts, Police Department and the city.

Malcolm Gracia's family filed the complaint Monday in Bristol Superior Court.

Attorney Donald Brisson says the family alleges the teenager was wrongfully detained during his May 2012 encounter with police and his fatal shooting was not justified.

In July 2012, the district attorney's office ruled the shooting was justified and found that Gracia stabbed Detective Tyson Barnes several times and refused commands to drop a knife as he ran toward another detective.

Mayor Jon Mitchell says as a former federal prosecutor, he agrees with the self-defense decision.

Police Chief David Provencher, while not addressing the lawsuit specifically, called the shooting "a tragedy all around."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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