Family of Slain Teen Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against L.A. County

The family of 17-year-old Jamiel Shaw has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Los Angeles County.

Shaw was shot and killed in March by Pedro Espinoza, an illegal immigrant and alleged gang member. The lawsuit alleges that the L.A. County sheriff's department was negligent in releasing Espinoza, who is known to be a dangerous felon, just one day before the killing occurred.  The family also claims that the county and sheriff's deputies violated immigration laws and well as their civil rights. 

The Shaw family is seeking unspecified damages.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Espinoza, who is facing murder charges for Shaw's death, is due back in court on June 30.

For more information about wrongful death lawsuits, please contact a personal injury lawyer near you.