Family Files $145 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Taser Death

Scott Kappes

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The family of the late Jarrel Gray has filed a $145 million lawsuit against the Fredrick County, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins and Corp. Rudy Torres over the alleged taser-related death of the 20 year-old. An autopsy preformed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore could not determine the exact cause of Gray’s death, but the medical examiner said the cause was a combination of alcohol, method of restraint (taser), and a unique anatomical makeup of the victim.

According to the Sheriff’s department the incident occurred in the early morning hours of November 18, 2007. Deputy Torres responded to a call of a fight. When he arrived at the scene the deputy found Gray and another individual fighting. He ordered them to stop and when Gray did not comply Torres fired two electric jolts into the victim from his X26 Taser.

Gray was taken to the hospital where he died a short time later. A grand jury found that Torres was justified in his actions.

The plaintiffs have disputed the accuracy of the Sherrif’s department account of events leading to the death of Jarrel Gray. In a press conference one of the men with Gray on the night in question painted a very different picture of the events alleging that Torres acted hastily and with reckless disregard for the life of the victim.

The case seeks damages for seven counts, including wrongful death, police brutality / excessive force, deprivation of civil rights, and negligent training and supervision.