Family to Sue L.A. County for $30 Million Over Deputy's Fatal Shooting of Mother

The Sheriff’s Department claims Niani Finlayson was threatening to stab her estranged boyfriend, a claim disputed by the family's attorney who asserts she was not engaging in any physically threatening behavior when shot.

27-year-old Niani Finlayson was shot and killed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Ty Shelton in front of her 9-year-old daughter, Xaisha Davis, after she called 911 for help during a domestic violence incident.
Finlayson's family, represented by attorney Bradley Gage, has filed a claim against the county and the Sheriff’s Department for $30 million, signaling their intention to sue.
The Sheriff’s Department claims Finlayson had a knife and was threatening to stab her estranged boyfriend when deputies arrived, a claim disputed by Gage who asserts that Finlayson was sitting on the ground and not engaging in any physically threatening behavior when she was shot.
Deputy Ty Shelton, who was involved in the shooting, was also involved in another fatal shooting in 2020 during a domestic violence call. Prosecutors declined to file charges against him in that case.
The Sheriff’s Department has promised a 'robust review process' to determine whether the shooting was legally justified and whether criminal charges will be filed. They also plan to release the body-worn camera footage of the incident by next week.