Personal Injury Law

Maryland Wrongful Death Case Seeks Damages for Police Shooting of Off-Duty Cop

By Jack Lebowitz, Esq. and Vadim Mzhen, Esq.

The widow Baltimore police officer Norman Stamp is suing Officer John Torres, a fellow cop, for Maryland wrongful death. Stamp was shot by Torres outside a strip bar on April 22, 2008.

While police contend that Stamp got into a confrontation with Torres, which prompted him to pull out his gun and shoot the 65-year-old, the Suzanne Stamp?s wrongful death lawyer believes that Stamp ?wrongly prejudged? the situation when he shot Torres, who was leaving the Haven Place club in Southeast Baltimore. Stamp was reportedly at the bar to celebrate his 44th anniversary with the police department.

The fatal shooting took place during a brawl involving Stamp?s fellow motorcycle club members. Torres maintains that as he separated Stamp from another man with a Taser, the off-duty cop first fell down the stairs and then approached him with his gun drawn. Stamp also allegedly refused to get rid of the brass knuckles that he had on his hand. However, the plaintiff?s Maryland wrongful death attorney says that a man in the parking lot turned to see Stamp fall down the steps after the shots were fired and that the off-duty cop stayed on the ground until medics arrived at the scene.

In Suzanne Stamp?s Baltimore wrongful death lawsuit she is seeking damages for burial costs, funeral expenses, and her late husband?s benefits and pension.

Maryland Wrongful Death
Filing a wrongful death claim won?t bring your loved one back, but it can allow you to attempt to hold the negligent parties liable for your loved one?s passing. There also will likely be financial losses and costs incurred as a result of your family member?s unexpected death.

Civil trial begins in wrongful death case of officer shot by police, The Baltimore Sun, October 7, 2010

Lawsuit Filed In Baltimore Officer's Death, WBAL-TV, December 7, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Summary of State Wrongful Death and Intestacy Statutes (PDF)

Wrongful Death, Nolo

Baltimore Police

Full post as published by Maryland Accident Law Blog on October 19, 2010 (boomark / email).