The family of a Georgia woman who was killed by police during a drug raid has filed a federal lawsuit and released body camera footage of the incident.
On May 4, 2021, deputies in Camden County began firing and killed 37-year-old Latoya James at a residence on US Highway 17 in Woodbine. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, there was a “exchange of gunfire” between the home’s inhabitants. James’ family’s lawyers assert she was unarmed when officers fatally shot her.
The law firm’s body camera footage is gloomy and shrouded by a tactical shield, but officers can be heard knocking and mentioning, “Sheriff’s office search warrant, come to the door.”
Officers appear to enter the house and tell someone to “Get on the ground,” before multiple gunshots are heard.
“One down, two down,” says an officer.
Varshawn Lamont Brown, 46, had also been shot but did survive, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. James was pronounced dead at the scene.
Unidentified deputy: “Did I get hit in my leg? … I’m good. … That bullet barely missed me.”
Lawyers for the victim’s family assert that when deputies police raided the house around 5 a.m., James was taken aback.
The deputies who were involved in the shooting were not charged.
Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor and the deputies involved in James’ death are being sued for $25 million in damages.
You know #BreonnaTaylor's case. Attorneys say #LatoyaJames's is "almost identical."
— Renata Di Gregorio (@RenataFCNews) August 22, 2022
Now James's family is suing the @CamdenCountyGA sheriff and deputies they believe were involved in her death. The sheriff's office spokesman says they don't comment on pending litigation. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/L1Ni2RluI1
We need an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, to determine why Latoya James’ life was taken by those sworn to protect her and the community. #SayHerName @BRepairers pic.twitter.com/FmsREo2Vw3
— Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II (@RevDrBarber) August 16, 2022
This is the first page of the $25 million lawsuit filed against the @CamdenCountyGA Sheriff's Office by the family of #LatoyaJames.
— Renata Di Gregorio (@RenataFCNews) August 22, 2022
Attorneys say the case is "almost identical" to the death of #BreonnaTaylor.
We haven't heard back from the sheriff's office for comment. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/ztDsCuFXYB
