Tabitha Smith; Robert John “R.J.” Leonard, Jr.Photo:Companion Funeral Service; Tennessee Police Benevolent Association/Facebook
Companion Funeral Service; Tennessee Police Benevolent Association/Facebook
The family of Tabitha Smith, the woman who died in a police car in the Tennessee River along with the rookie deputy who arrested her, is suing both the deceased deputy and the county government.
Before the cruiser entered the river, the deputysent a text message to his wife about the arrest. He also sent “an incomplete radio transmission” during which he may have said the word “water,” according to a news release from the Tennessee Police Benevolent Association.
“As a direct and proximate result of the acts and omissions of Leonard and the County, the Deceased suffered a horrific death,” the lawsuit alleges.
The lawsuit claims deprivation of liberty interest and bodily integrity, wrongful death, battery and assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence and loss of consortium.
It also requests a jury trial and “nominal, punitive, compensatory, and presumed damages,” including $10 million.
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“Something we don’t ever deal with here in Meigs County. We’re a small, rural county, we’re not used to it,” Malon added.
According to hisobituary, Leonard “did construction for most of his life, until recently moving to Tennessee to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer.” He loved sports and the outdoors, “but most of all he loved spending time with his family,” his wife Christina and their five children.
source: people.com
