Ricardo Muñoz
Ricardo Muñoz, 27, was shot and killed by a police officer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
On Sept. 13, 2020, police were responding to a reported domestic disturbance call at Muñoz’s home. His family called the police when he was having a mental health episode. Muñoz had schizophrenia.
Police officer’s body cam footage showed that when Officer Karson Arnold got in front of a home near the scene, Muñoz emerged from inside and ran toward the officer, brandishing a knife above his head in a threatening manner. The officer then fired four shots, all striking Muñoz, who died at the scene.
In February 2021, the mother of Ricardo Muñoz has filed a wrongful death lawsuit and named the Lancaster City Police Department, Officer Karson Arnold, the city and Lancaster County as defendants. The suit contends that the officer failed to follow proper procedures and techniques intended to safely respond to the incident without the use of lethal force.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Ricardo was one of those young individuals who really was relying on us as a society to protect him and to provide him with the services that he needed … to live with dignity,” attorney Daisy Ayllon said. “The city of Lancaster failed him.”
“It [the lawsuit] seeks to shed a light and put a spotlight on these agencies to make sure that they change their practices going forward so it doesn’t happen to another family who has loved ones who are suffering from mental health issues,” said Daisy Ayllon, the family’s attorney.
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
