Policy

Family of Teen Killed Following Police Tazing Sues

Claim excessive force in Miami Beach

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Miami Beach police used excessive force in shooting teenage street artist Israel Hernandez-Llach with a Taser stun gun, and failed to give him proper medical attention afterward, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday by his family.

The death of the 18-year-old after the Taser jolt has drawn widespread headlines, sparked rallies decrying Miami Beach police and reignited debate over law enforcement's use of stun guns.

"We believe this investigation will illustrate that the City of Miami Beach and Miami Beach Police do not properly train or supervise their police officers in the use of force, including the use of a Taser weapon," said attorney Todd McPharlin during an afternoon press conference on the steps of Miami-Dade's downtown civil courthouse.