A Suffolk County police brutality victim's family was awarded $35 million in damages. This decision was made by a federal jury on Thursday, Aug. 10.
Suffolk County Police Brutality Victim's Family Receive $35 Million
According to Fox News' latest report, Kenny Lazo, a resident of Long Island, New York, experienced police brutality in 2008.
He was beaten by Suffolk County police officers with their fists, as well as flashlights. This led to the death of Lazo.
Because of this, his family decided to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County, and five police officers.
The legal action was filed back in 2009.
"It was absolutely appalling how the Suffolk County police physically abused and humiliated Mr. Lazo, then tried to cover it up," said the Lazo family's attorney, Frederick K. Brewington.
"No family should have to go through what Mr. Lazo's family had to," he added.
After years of fighting for justice, the family of Kenny Lazo finally received the justice they have been searching for.
They received $13.5 million in compensatory damages, as well as $21.5 million in punitive damages.
What Happened to the New York Man?
NBC New York reported that the incident happened when 24-year-old Kenny Lazo was pulled over by the police at the Southern State Parkway in Bay Shore. The police's attorney, Marc Lindemann, explained that Kenny was suspected of drug selling and committed various traffic violations.
He claimed that the man attacked an officer, striking him in the head with his elbow. The attorney added that Lazo tried to get the officer's gun.
Lindemman explained that this life-threatening event forced police authorities to take reasonable action, which is appropriate and justified.
However, Brewington denied this, saying that the story was fabricated just to beat and humiliate the man. The Lazo family's attorney added that Kenny was stripped of his clothes and shoes.
After that, he was beaten by the police. Despite his injuries, authorities took him to a nearby precinct instead of a hospital.
You can click this link to learn more about what happened to Kenny Lazo.