CHARLOTTE, NC —Β A federal civil trial went underway Wednesday night over a Charlotte man who Β died after being tased. Β La-Reko Williams was killed in 2011. Β His parents filed the suit against the city, claiming an officer used excessive force. Β
Witnesses say Williams was beating his girlfriend at the Woodlawn light rail station. Β Officer Michael Forbes fired his taser twice. Β He was cleared of any wrongdoing.
“Pretty much all I want is my son to have a fair trial. Β That’s it. Β I just want a fair trial, you know, cause he’s not here with his family,” said Williams’ mother Temako McCarthy.
The family is asking for punitive and compensatory damages. Β CMPD stopped using the tasers it had after Williams died. Β They were replaced with new ones that only shock for five seconds, no matter how long the trigger is held.
