Private University Could Get Government Immunity in Case of Student Shot and Killed by Campus Cop
A Friday ruling by the Texas Supreme Court means the University of the Incarnate Word {San Antonio} can continue its attempts to dismiss a lawsuit over a university cop who shot and killed an unarmed student in the parking lot of his off-campus apartment complex in 2013.
The case before the state’s highest criminal court was UIW’s last-ditch attempt to toss a lawsuit filed against the university by the family of Cameron Redus, the 23-year-old student shot and killed by former UIW police officer Christopher Carter. While UIW is a private university, its lawyers argued that, in the case of Redus’ killing, the school should really be considered a “governmental unit” because the university’s cops are peace officers licensed by the state. In an opinion written by Justice John Devine, the Texas Supreme Court agreed, meaning UIW can now argue that it qualifies for government immunity, which would shield the school from being sued over Redus’ death.
Carter says he was off-campus for a 2 am Whataburger run on December 6, 2013 when he saw Redus’ car hit a curb while heading north on Broadway. Redus, whose blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, had just left Brass Monkey shortly before last call. He’d been out celebrating the end of the semester with friends. Carter, who had no way of knowing Redus was a UIW student, followed his car for several blocks off campus. The officer confronted Redus once the student arrived at his Alamo Heights apartment complex, parked his car and exited the vehicle.
Carter claims Redus, who was unarmed, resisted when the officer tried to handcuff and arrest him as he walked towards his apartment. Carter says he fired his weapon six times because Redus charged at him with a raised fist. An autopsy shows Carter shot Redus five times at point blank range. One of the fatal shots hit Redus in the back. Another fatal bullet entered through Redus’ left eye at a sharp downward angle, exiting the back of his neck. A Bexar County grand jury cleared the officer of any criminal charges in 2014.
Read more: http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/05/12/private-university-could-get-government-immunity-in-case-of-student-shot-and-killed-by-campus-cop
Earlier threads:
Univ. of Incarnate Word claims it is immune to wrongful death lawsuit of Cameron Redus
https://www.democraticunderground.com/107827844
Grand jury declines to indict Univ. of Incarnate Word officer in fatal shooting of Cameron Redus
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107824120
University of Incarnate Word officer in Cameron Redus shooting resigns, school confirms
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107822738
Family of slain University of Incarnate Word student win preliminary court battle (killed by police)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107822171
Additional toxicology ordered in Redus case (University of Incarnate Ward slain by police officer)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107819486
University of Incarnate Word: Student slain by campus officer was irresponsible
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107818526
Family of Cameron Redus files wrongful death lawsuit against University of Incarnate Word, officer
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107817876
Autopsy: UIW student shot in the back
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014761172
Univ. of the Incarnate Word police officer involved in fatal shooting of student in traffic stop
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107813777