Shane Boston Killed In Litchfield Police Shooting

Wrongful Death - December 2, 2022

Shane Boston Died After Being Shot By Multiple Police Officers In Litchfield

LITCHFIELD, CALIFORNIA (December 1, 2022) – A man identified as Shane Boston died in a Litchfield police shooting involving the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and ISP.

Montgomery County officials are saying that the accident took place on November 24. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and ISP officers were responding to reports of a suspicious person when they first engaged with Shane Boston.

In newly released body cam footage, officers followed Shane Boston through a parking lot by a business before shooting him multiple times. The suspect was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead later that day.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Litchfield Police Shootings

Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings. According to the Washington Post, 1,042 people were shot to death by police officers and another 4,000 were injured in 2021. People who are experiencing a mental health crisis are more likely to be killed in police encounters. There are a number of steps that police officers should take to prevent shootings.

• Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
• Police officers should be properly trained to deal with suspects that are experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Police officers should speak clearly with suspects and do everything that they can before resorting to lethal force.

Police officers must use great care to avoid causing harm to suspects. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code 720 ILCS 5/7-5,  “A peace officer is not justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm when there is no longer an imminent threat of great bodily harm to the officer or another.” When police officers use excessive force and kill a suspect, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any officer involved shooting.

• Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• Medical records should be preserved.

It can be difficult to know what to do after any police shooting. But it is important to remember that suspects have rights. Suspects cannot be mistreated by officers and are entitled to the due process and equal protection afforded to them under the constitution. The family of any person that is killed in a police shooting is protected by a number of laws. They can seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating A Litchfield Police Shooting

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Shane Boston. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Litchfield police shooting. Our team of suspect’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of excessive force are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.