The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is facing a $30 million lawsuit after a deputy fatally shot 27-year-old Niani Finlayson, a mother and reported victim of domestic violence. This incident took place in her own home, while her young daughter was present, as reported by KTLA. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death, assault, battery, and civil rights violations against the department and the county.
Finlayson's family stated that she had called 911 saying her boyfriend would not leave her alone, and during the call, authorities heard screaming and a struggle. Upon deputies' arrival, the sounds of an argument were heard inside the apartment, and then chaos ensued, leading to the shooting by Deputy Ty Shelton. A vigil was held where loved ones honored the victim's memory, according to KTLA.
The responding officers purportedly saw Finlayson armed with a kitchen knife and shot by a deputy after she allegedly threatened to harm her boyfriend with it. The family disputes this account, as they claim Finlayson was shot in the back without threatening anyone, as detailed by CNN. The Sheriff's Department announced plans to release body-worn camera footage of the incident by the following week in an effort of transparency.
Shelton was previously involved in another shooting in 2020 in which Michael Thomas was killed, no charges were filed after an investigation by the District Attorney, who found insufficient evidence of unlawful action, and now the Finlayson family is seeking justice for the death of their loved one with her father, Lamont Finlayson stating, "I'm seeking justice, I want this cop Ty Shelton to be held accountable for the death of my daughter I want the sheriff's department of LA County held accountable."
For more information on the case or to provide tips, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's homicide detectives can be reached at 323-890-5500, with anonymous tips accepted through L.A. Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477, as mentioned in the initial report by Hoodline.
