Madeline Miller Killed In Flossmoor Police Shooting At Her Apartment
Wrongful Death - July 14, 2022
Madeline Miller Died In Flossmor Police Shooting After Officers Responded to Domestic Disturbance Call At Her Apartment
FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS (July 14, 2022) – Madeline Miller, 64, was fatally shot by suburban Chicago police officers after they arrived at her Flossmoor apartment.
Cook County police officials are saying that the shooting took place around noon on Sunday. Chicago police officers arrived at the apartment of Madeline Miller and claimed that she was holding a knife.
At some point during the encounter, officers opened fire and shot the elderly woman. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting in order to help the victim.
Madeline Miller was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment for multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, she was beyond medical aid and died due to the severity of her injuries.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Flossmoor Police Shootings
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings in the United States. According to the Washington Post, 1,042 people were shot to death by police officers and another 4,000 were injured in 2021. People who are suffering from untreated mental illness were 16 times more likely to be killed during encounters with law enforcement officers. There are many steps that can be taken in order to help reduce fatal police shootings.
- Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Police officers should be trained to deal with suspects who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Mental health programs should be well funded so that people do not deteriorate to the point that police intervention is necessary.
- The role of mental illness in police shootings should be properly documented and understood.
Police officers have a legal obligation to use the least amount of force necessary to get a suspect to comply with their demands. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code 720 ILCS 5/7-5, “A peace officer is not justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm when there is no longer an imminent threat of great bodily harm to the officer or another.” If a police officer uses excessive force and kills a suspect, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage of all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, police departments will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any police shooting. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Flossmoor Police Shooting
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Madeline Miller. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Flossmoor police shooting? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
