Burglary suspect’s family sues city
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The family of a suspected burglar who died in police custody filed a wrongful death suit against the city and the Police Department on Wednesday.
In the suit, brought in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the parents of De’Shoun Torrence allege police officers beat and used Tasers on the 18-year-old while he was handcuffed.
The suit contends officers beat him for 30 minutes. Torrence died in the back of a patrol car July 12, according to the suit, which seeks unspecified damages.
A police spokeswoman said it was department policy not to comment on civil suits.
Authorities said Torrence was hit with a shotgun butt by residents who restrained him while waiting for police to arrive.
Police said they used “necessary force.”
-- Harriet Ryan
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