Nov 28, 2007 10:08 am US/Eastern
Wake Held For Man Who Died After Being Tased
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Three times this month, Frederick County Police have used Tasers to subdue suspects.
Three times this month, Frederick County Police have used Tasers to subdue suspects. One of them, 20-year-old Jarrell Gray, died. It was the first stun gun-related death in county history.
Ted Williams, his family's lawyer, told
Mike Hellgren Tuesday
there may be video of the incident that could prove whether the deputy acted appropriately.
"We are now certainly pursuing that video. It's a phone video from what we understand," he said.
An autopsy on Gray's body is still pending. Analysis of the Taser's computer shows he was shocked twice, 23 seconds apart.
"What the family wants at this time is answers. They want a real, lawful investigation," Williams said.
Gray's death follows a resource officer tasing a student at Tuscarora High. Authorities say the teen refused orders, becoming the first student in the county shot with a Taser.
Earlier this week, a sheriff's deputy tased a man on Exeter Court, saying he was shouting, refused orders and became aggressive.
The sheriff's office spokeswoman was unavailable for comment on the cases, but the department has previously stated it will continue to use the weapon, despite pleas by the NAACP.
"We are calling for the suspension of use of tasers," said Frederick County NAACP President Guy Djoken.
A recent
Eyewitness News investigation revealed six people have died from Tasers in Maryland alone this year and the Department of Justice is now undergoing a sweeping study into the weapon.
In a recent press conference, Frederick County's sheriff said Tasers are safe and effective. Deputies have used the weapon 28 times so far this year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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