The mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts said an appeal is likely of the federal jury award of $1.3 million to the mother of a teenager who died during a confrontation with police.
A day after the federal court jury found a Springfield police officer had violated the civil rights of Delano Walker Jr. during a stop for questioning in 2009, Mayor Domenic Sarno said he was uncertain on what grounds the city might base an appeal.
"We will review all our legal options and most likely pursue an appeal," Sarno said Tuesday.
Walker, who was 15, died when he backed away from police officer Sean Sullivan, and was struck by an on-coming car. No criminal charges were brought in the case. An internal investigation resulted in no disciplinary action against Sullivan, who is a 16 year veteran of the Springfield Police Dept.
