NORFOLK, Va. - The attorneys for David Latham's family said the not guilty verdict of Officer Michael Edington is not the end. A federal civil case has been filed in the U.S. District Court. A judge issued a stay pending the criminal case, which ended Thursday.
Attorneys Todd Fiorella and Jon Babineau spoke on the front porch of the Latham family's house. The Latham family was not in the courtroom when the verdict was read.
"The family now has their opportunity to speak and push their case forward. We`re going to do everything we can make sure there is justice for this family. For what was a wrongful death of their son," said Fiorella.
David Latham's parents, Audrey and Glennis, along with his sister Angel, stood behind their attorneys right where David was shot in June 2014.
"You're holding the camera where the police officer discharged the weapon and then went into the house shooting David in the back, while the knife was on the front porch," said Babineau.
Both attorneys stress the civil case is an opportunity for the Lathams to get justice.
"We get to try this case the way we want to try it. From scratch with new witnesses. Witnesses who weren't heard in this criminal case. The family witnesses who were here to watch this entire event unfold," said Fiorella.
The attorneys said they'll hone in on how David Latham never made a threatening step toward Edington.
A trial date for the civil lawsuit is expected within the next six to eight months.
