Shooting Death of Son Calls for $20M Lawsuit

As reported by The News-Messenger in Toledo, Ohio, the family of a man slain by multiple gunshot wounds in Ballville Township, is suing the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office for $20 million.

Bryan Jones, 26, died in his parent's home on Tifflin Road on July 11. 

Tracy Jones, Bryan's father, had telephoned 911 for help when he discovered that his son was troubled, exhausted and drinking. Bryan Jones had also threatened to harm both himself and his mother if anyone intervened.

In the lawsuit Tracy Jones stated that he told deputies that he just wanted his son removed - without resorting to violence.

The lawsuit was filed on October 5 in U.S. District Court in Toledo.  It names Sandusky County and it's County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff Kyle Overmyer, Deputy Jose Calvillo and Deputy Mario Calvillo. 

Teresa Grigsby, of the Spengler Nathanson law firm in Toledo, is representing the county and Dennis Murray Sr. and Donna Evans of Murray and Murray Company, of Sandusky, are representing the Jones family. 

The lawsuit is asking both $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

Tracy Jones, along with his wife Kim, have claimed in the lawsuit to be suffering serious mental anguish and distress by witnessing not only the event that led up to their son's wrongful death, but the shooting itself.

Sheriff deputies, and brothers, Jose and Mario Calvillo, led the tactical response team at 9:50 p.m. on July 11. They reported that once arriving at the home of Tracy and Kim Jones they saw Bryan Jones seated with a shotgun on his lap.

At about 11:30 p.m. a flash-bang grenade was shot through the front window to disorient Jones. At that moment three members of the response team were able to gain entry through a back door.

The lawsuit states, "Bryan could be seen through the front window, passed out on his own living room couch. Immediately after detonation of the flash-bang devices, Bryan yelled out 'Why?' as the deputy defendants fired shots into his head and body. At least four bullets penetrated Bryan."

Four deputies, including the Calvillo brothers, had entered the home. The Calvillos fired their guns.

The lawsuit continued, "The county and board did not make the necessary funds available for appropriate hiring, retention, supervision, in-service training or re-training of deputies in particular those who were known to be assigned to specialized units nor to especially prevent those who knowingly engaged in prior police misconduct from being able to bear dangerous weapons."

Jose Calvillo should not have been able to use a gun as a deputy for Sandusky County, alleges the suit, and was only allowed to because of budget cuts made by the board and county.

After the shooting Jose Calvillo was taken off duty for a 10-day suspension, reassigned and then demoted to corrections. The suit also claims that he had disciplinary issues in the past - for using unnecessary force - and this was a last-chance agreement for him.

Jose's brother Mario is also under scrutiny as he joined the Sandusky County Sheriffs after he was fired from Fremont Police. The firing was due to a conviction for drunk driving.

If you have lost a loved one to a wrongful death, contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in our directory today.