MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The family of a man who died while in the custody of Milwaukee police five years ago is filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and the officers involved.
Derek Williams died July 6, 2011 after struggling to breathe while handcuffed in the back seat of a squad car after he was picked up on suspicion of robbery. The 22-year-old Williams could be seen on the squad's video pleading for medical help.
The law firm of Samster, Konkel & Safran is representing Williams' estate and his three children. The law firm says Williams' death was a "direct consequence" of the police department's lack of policies for a person in custody who's in physical distress.
The Milwaukee County district attorney, police department and a special prosecutor cleared the two officers involved of any wrongdoing.
