Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Shooting of Exonerated Georgia Man Sparks $16 Million Lawsuit
The family of Leonard Allan Cure, an exonerated Georgia man who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in October, has filed a $16 million federal lawsuit claiming excessive force was used during the encounter. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 95 Northbound in Camden County, Georgia.
Background of Leonard Allan Cure
Leonard Allan Cure, a 53-year-old man, spent 16 years in a Florida prison after being wrongfully convicted in 2003. He was exonerated in 2020 by Broward County’s Conviction Review Unit and became the first person exonerated by the Innocence Project in Florida. Unfortunately, three years after his release, Cure was tragically killed by Sheriff’s Deputy Buck Aldridge during a traffic stop.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Georgia – Brunswick division, names Deputy Buck Aldridge and Sheriff Jim Proctor of Camden County. The complaint alleges that Sheriff Proctor failed to take action against deputies known for violence and unlawful use of force, creating a dangerous environment within the sheriff’s office.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. District Attorney Keith Higgins has not yet decided on filing criminal charges against Aldridge. The family’s attorney, Harry Daniels, emphasized the need for accountability in the case, stating that this is not an isolated incident but a systemic issue within the sheriff’s office.
Body Camera Footage Analysis
Body camera footage released after the incident shows the altercation between Cure and Deputy Aldridge. The video captures the escalating confrontation, leading to Aldridge using a Taser and ultimately firing his gun, resulting in Cure’s death. The footage has raised questions about the use of excessive force and the circumstances surrounding Cure’s tragic demise.
Public Response and Transparency Efforts
In response to public demand for transparency, Sheriff Proctor, GBI, and DA Keith Higgins made the body camera videos available for review. The release of the footage sparked debate about law enforcement practices and the need for accountability in cases of excessive force.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments in the legal proceedings surrounding Leonard Allan Cure’s untimely death.
**ABC News’ Kiara Alfonseca and Davi Merchan contributed to this report.**
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