Post by WaTcHeR on Dec 20, 2006 14:52:16 GMT -5
12.20.2006 - The family of Greenwood High School senior James Marshall is demanding that Greenwood Police Officer Casey Wiggins be fired, saying he used excessive force against the teen earlier this month at the school.
Grenada attorney Carlos E. Moore, who is representing the family, said Tuesday he would file an internal affairs complaint with the department against Wiggins sometime this week.
Moore has also sent a notice to Greenwood city officials demanding $1 million in "compensatory and punitive damages" for his client and asking that the city's insurance carrier contact him.
Wiggins could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
City Attorney James Littleton declined to comment, saying he couldn't discuss any matter that might be the subject of litigation.
Wiggins was part of a two-officer security team working Greenwood High School on Dec. 6 when he apparently got into a scuffle with Marshall, 18.
Last week, Marshall's sister, Lula Marshall, 32, said Wiggins allegedly pushed her brother against a wall, threw him to the ground and placed a gun to his head twice before arresting him.
Moore said he has formally requested a copy of a school security camera videotape - which allegedly captured the incident - from the Greenwood School District.
"They have 14 days to comply," he said in noting his request.
Marshall was later released without being charged with a crime. His mother, Jacqueline Blackshire, filed a criminal complaint against Wiggins on Dec. 7.
Wiggins, according to Police Chief Henry Harris, has been removed from the school's security detail and assigned other duties.
The case was referred by the department to Leflore County District Attorney Joyce Chiles' office for possible prosecution.
In addition, a disciplinary hearing for Wiggins will be held soon, the chief said.
Moore said the family is considering filing a federal or state lawsuit against Wiggins, the department, the city and the school system.
He claims that Wiggins, who is white, might have targeted Marshall, who is black, in violation of federal civil rights laws.
Moore said the family has also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the NAACP, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton regarding the case.
www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17614339&BRD=1838&PAG=461&dept_id=104621&rfi=6
Grenada attorney Carlos E. Moore, who is representing the family, said Tuesday he would file an internal affairs complaint with the department against Wiggins sometime this week.
Moore has also sent a notice to Greenwood city officials demanding $1 million in "compensatory and punitive damages" for his client and asking that the city's insurance carrier contact him.
Wiggins could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
City Attorney James Littleton declined to comment, saying he couldn't discuss any matter that might be the subject of litigation.
Wiggins was part of a two-officer security team working Greenwood High School on Dec. 6 when he apparently got into a scuffle with Marshall, 18.
Last week, Marshall's sister, Lula Marshall, 32, said Wiggins allegedly pushed her brother against a wall, threw him to the ground and placed a gun to his head twice before arresting him.
Moore said he has formally requested a copy of a school security camera videotape - which allegedly captured the incident - from the Greenwood School District.
"They have 14 days to comply," he said in noting his request.
Marshall was later released without being charged with a crime. His mother, Jacqueline Blackshire, filed a criminal complaint against Wiggins on Dec. 7.
Wiggins, according to Police Chief Henry Harris, has been removed from the school's security detail and assigned other duties.
The case was referred by the department to Leflore County District Attorney Joyce Chiles' office for possible prosecution.
In addition, a disciplinary hearing for Wiggins will be held soon, the chief said.
Moore said the family is considering filing a federal or state lawsuit against Wiggins, the department, the city and the school system.
He claims that Wiggins, who is white, might have targeted Marshall, who is black, in violation of federal civil rights laws.
Moore said the family has also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the NAACP, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton regarding the case.
www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17614339&BRD=1838&PAG=461&dept_id=104621&rfi=6