Rochester Police Department Wrongful Death Shooting Lawyer
When a family loses a loved one due to a wrongful shooting by the Rochester Police Department, they are left to cope with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and the financial challenges that come with a sudden loss. They also carry the burden of seeking justice.
If you have lost a loved one due to a wrongful shooting by Rochester police, know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Police Brutality Center connects families with attorneys who specialize in wrongful death police shooting cases. A wrongful death lawyer can help hold those responsible accountable, guide you through the complex legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Content Last Updated: October 16, 2025
Key Takeaways
- New York state and federal laws offer legal options for families whose loved ones have been killed due to excessive or unjustified police force.
- Families may have the opportunity to seek financial compensation, which can assist in covering medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
- If your loved one died at the hands of the police, Police Brutality Center can connect you with an experienced lawyer to explain your legal options and pursue compensation and accountability through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding Rochester Wrongful Death Police Shootings
A wrongful death police shooting occurs when officers use lethal force without legal justification. Under the law, a police shooting is considered justified when an officer has an objectively “reasonable belief” that there is an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.
In many cases involving the Rochester Police Department, officers could have used non-lethal alternatives instead. Many wrongful death shooting cases involve the following:
- Use of deadly force during an arrest when no immediate threat existed
- Shooting an unarmed individual
- Shooting a fleeing individual who is non-dangerous and non-violent
- Misidentification of the suspect
- Failure to de-escalate a situation before using lethal force
Notable Rochester Police Shooting Cases
In recent years, police shootings in the United States have received significant national attention and raised serious questions about police department policies and police misconduct. Families impacted by these incidents often face substantial challenges in their quest for justice, including police union protections, qualified immunity defenses, and delayed investigations.
Some notable cases of police shootings and excessive force in Rochester include the following:
- Tyshon Jones was fatally shot by police in March 2021 outside a homeless shelter in Rochester. According to news reports, he was experiencing a mental health crisis and was self-harming with a knife at the time of the shooting.
- Akintunde Campbell was shot and killed by Rochester police officers on July 31, 2025. News reports say Akintunde revealed a gun from his sweatshirt, pointed it downward, and was shot by police within seconds.
- Daniel Prude died after being restrained by Rochester police during a mental health crisis in 2020. In 2022, his family reached a $12 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Rochester.
The University of Illinois Chicago reports that an estimated 250,000 civilians are injured and more than 600 people are killed each year by law enforcement across the United States. Although incidents of police-involved injury and death are not uncommon, it is rare for police officers to be held criminally accountable for their actions.
The Police Integrity Research Group at Bowling Green State University reports that between 2005 and 2019, 104 non-federal officers were arrested in connection with fatal shootings across the United States, but only 35 of them were convicted of a crime.
Legal Rights After a Wrongful Death Police Shooting in Rochester
Under New York and federal law, families have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against an individual officer or police department if their loved one was killed due to excessive or unjustified police force. Responsible parties do not need to face criminal charges or be convicted for the family to pursue legal claims.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the surviving family members have the right to sue government officials, including law enforcement, for constitutional rights violations that caused their loved one’s death.
A Civil lawsuit can provide the victim’s family with monetary relief for the damages they have suffered as a result of the fatal shooting. Common damages that surviving family members may pursue in civil wrongful death cases include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Loss of financial support
- Lost benefits
- Conscious pain and suffering of the deceased
- Loss of consortium
Settlements in police wrongful shooting cases can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, such as the strength of your witness testimony and evidence, the history of the involved officers, and more.
Why Wrongful Death Cases After a Rochester Police Shooting Require Immediate Action
In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Rochester, NY, is two years. It is crucial to file your claim on time. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your opportunity to pursue compensation.
Additionally, you must take certain other extra steps when filing a claim against a government entity like the city or the Rochester Police Department. For instance, you must file a notice of claim at least 90 days before initiating the lawsuit.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Police misconduct cases are complex. Police departments often have their own legal team, and significant legal hurdles exist, such as police immunity. This doctrine shields police officers from personal liability unless they violate a “clearly established” constitutional right. The defense will also likely argue that the officer’s actions were objectively reasonable, even if the officer was mistaken.
A wrongful death lawyer experienced with handling police brutality cases can guide you through the legal maze, ensuring your rights are protected and you follow the necessary procedures. They can do the following for you:
- Request police department records such as past complaints, autopsy reports, body camera footage, and other critical evidence
- Review applicable laws to determine whether to file in state court, federal court, or both
- Determine if the department is also liable
- Interview witnesses to the circumstances leading to death
- Consult with medical and police procedure professionals to testify as expert witnesses in your case
- Prepare you for depositions or in-court testimony
- File your case on time to meet state and federal deadlines
- Negotiate with other attorneys or insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement
- Fight for you in court, if necessary
Contact a Wrongful Death Shooting Lawyer Today
If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of a police shooting in Rochester, NY, you deserve answers and justice. Don’t face this battle alone. Our network of experienced wrongful death shooting lawyers will stand by your side, investigate the truth, and fight to hold the Rochester Police Department accountable.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a free, confidential case review.