Lawsuit: Police violated man's rights in fatal shooting


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ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia mother says in a federal lawsuit that her unarmed son's civil rights were violated when he was shot and killed by an Atlanta police officer.

Melva Rogers on Monday sued the city, police Chief George Turner and former officer James Burns, who was fired after the shooting. Authorities have said Burns killed her 22-year-old son, Deravis Caine Rogers, while responding to a call about a suspicious person June 22.

Rogers was black, and Burns is white.

Turner fired Burns July 1 after an internal investigation determined Burns used unnecessary and excessive force. Burns also faces criminal charges including murder.

A city spokeswoman said the city's law department would vigorously defend the city and the police chief. Drew Findling, a lawyer for Burns, said the charges and lawsuit are premature and baseless.

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