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Woman sues Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office over son's death

 
Published April 10, 2016

WEST PALM BEACH — A Florida woman is suing Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and a deputy over the fatal shooting of her son in 2014.

Deputy Ernest Cantu fatally shot Tinoris Williams in his West Palm Beach apartment. Cantu told authorities he was investigating a burglary call when Williams attacked him and a violent struggle followed.

Williams' family said the 31-year-old black man was mentally ill. The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office cleared Cantu of any criminal charges.

The Palm Beach Post reports that Vickie Williams sued Cantu, Bradshaw and the office last week in federal court.

The lawsuit alleges the Sheriff's Office encourages the use of excessive force, particularly against young black men, and failed to properly train deputies to handle situations involving people with mental illness.

A Sheriff's Office spokeswoman declined comment.