A Man Allegedly Shot by a Chicago Police Officer is Awarded $44.7 Million
A record-breaking $44.7 million has been awarded to a man in Chicago who was allegedly shot in the head by an off-duty patrol officer with the Chicago Police Department. The police shooting occurred at the home of Michael LaPorta, who was the victim of the alleged shooting and is now 37 years old. The only people in the home at the time were LaPorta and his friend, the officer who allegedly fired the shot. Allegedly, the officer had been drinking heavily and shot LaPorta in the back of the head. He first allegedly misled investigators, claiming that his friend had been trying to commit suicide. LaPorta survived, but he still has many health problems as a result of the shooting. He is unable to walk; and he requires 24-hour care, which is provided by his parents.
Testimony suggested that the patrolman’s violent behavior had been enabled by the police department. The jury concluded that the police department failed to discipline police officers or maintain a system to provide early warnings. The federal jury found that the city of Chicago is responsible to pay the multi-million-dollar jury award plus LaPorta’s legal fees, which adds up to millions more.
Some jury members spoke about their verdict afterward, indicating that there needs to be major change in the city’s law enforcement practices.
The police officer who allegedly shot LaPorta is still with the police department but cannot carry a gun or make arrests.
As with every post on this website, we are only providing information in this post and do not make any allegation or assertion that anyone acted inappropriately or engaged in misconduct.
–Guest Contributor
smchugh
smchugh