Deliberations Begin In Md. Taser Death Trial
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In the hands of a jury. A Frederick County sheriff's deputy faces a multi-million dollar lawsuit. He's accused of killing a young man after misusing a Taser.
Adam May has reaction from both sides.
The jury began deliberations late Tuesday afternoon after emotional closing arguments.
The family of Jarrel Gray broke down in tears inside a federal courtroom as attorneys delivered closing arguments in a $145 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit. The 20-year-old died in 2007 after being tasered twice by a Frederick County sheriff's deputy.
"It's been more painful because there has been no showing of sympathy or remorse for the death of their child and that is unfortunate," said Gregory Lattimer.
Lattimer, the family's attorney, admits Gray was intoxicated when police responded to a fight in the streets of their Frederick neighborhood but he claims Gray was tasered without being given a chance to obey police commands, then shocked a second time when he was lying on the round.
"He was immobilized, unable to move or speak," Lattimer said.
But Deputy Rudy Torres, who fired the weapon, claims that Gray did not have his hands in full view, presenting a threat.
"I have been in support of Deputy Torres since day one. I watched the closings and I do believe the jury will render a decision in our favor," said Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins. "He was simply trying to maintain order. If these individuals had complied, we wouldn't be here today."
Both sides agree on one thing: the outcome of this case could change how law enforcement agencies across the state use Tasers in the future.
The medical examiner ruled the cause of death undetermined but called the Taser a contributing cause.
