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Family of man killed by APD officer files wrongful death lawsuit
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Family of man killed by APD officer files wrongful death lawsuit

The family of man shot dead by Austin police filed a federal lawsuit against the city and three police officers.

The deadly police shooting occurred two years ago outside the man’s home in south of Austin.

“Rajan was a quiet guy who would come into the room and look around, and he would approach the person who needed something,” said Ruth Moonesinghe, Rajan’s mother.

This is how those close to him describe Rajan Moonesinghe, 33 years old.

On the morning of November 15, 2022, the Austin Police Department received a call about a man pointing a gun in the street. A caller said Moonesinghe was armed with a gun and was yelling at an apparent intruder in his home.

When officers arrived, they said they saw a man shooting at his house, prompting APD officer, Daniel Sánchez to pull. Moonesinghe was killed.

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On the second anniversary of his death, Moonsinghe’s family filed a 32-page wrongful death lawsuit. The family says it was their last resort.

“We have failed to work with the city to influence policy. We have determined that a financial deterrent is the only thing that will bring progress and force Austin to adopt de-escalation policies and provide lifesaving aid,” said Mark Moonesinghe, Rajan’s brother.

The lawsuit names the city of Austin and three APD officers: Daniel Sanchez, Stephen Market and Luis Brito, as defendants.

It includes an unreasonable claim of forces, a failure to provide aid and accuses the city of lacking training.

The lawsuit asks officers to prioritize de-escalation, and even asks for a financial incentive for officers who successfully de-escalate situations.

“All officers must undergo up-to-date and regular training for use when someone is in need of life-saving assistance. And finally, ensure that officers are disciplined if they are unable to de-escalate the situation and provide assistance. ‘help,’ Mark said.

“Our hope is that today’s filing of the lawsuit will get the city’s attention, get the APD’s attention, and we will rally support behind the idea that we deserve better as citizens of Austin than what the Moonesinghe family received,” Jay Ellwanger said. , the lawyer representing the family.

Rajan was the founder of Austin-based technology company InKind. The family says they are committed to using funds from this lawsuit to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.

This day remains engraved in his family, two years later.

“The bullet holes aren’t there. The blood stains aren’t on the cement anymore. But, you know, every time I walk here, I see these things. You can’t get them out of your mind,” he said. Mark said.

APD has previously said it will continue to support Sanchez as this process moves forward.

Officer Sanchez was criminally charged in connection with the shooting. Sanchez is scheduled to go to trial in March 2025.

Sanchez’s attorney previously said his force was reasonable.

“Mr. Moonesinghe was shooting in a neighborhood, he was dangerous, and when he turned on Officer Sanchez, Officer Sanchez had no choice but to use deadly force to protect himself and protect other people in the neighborhood,” said Brad Heilman, the attorney representing Officer Sanchez.

FOX 7 Austin reached out to the city for comment and said they are working on a response.