Now, his widow is suing authorities over his death.
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The widow of Robert “Lavoy” Finicum said she plans to sue the state police and two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents over the shooting near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
California-based attorney Brian Claypool, who is now co-counsel for Ryan Bundy, who was riding in Finicum’s truck during the deadly encounter and shot in the arm, confirmed in a statement he would also be representing Finicum’s widow, Jeanette, and 12 children.
LaVoy Finicum during a press conference at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge three weeks before he was killed.
Prosecutors determined Oregon State Police officers were justified in firing at Robert “LaVoy” Finicum.
“There is now physical evidence (shell casings) that proves that two FBI agents lied during the law enforcement investigation by stating that they did not fire the first shots at Finicum’s vehicle”, Claypool told the Oregonian.
The U.S. Department of Justice, however, confirmed it is investigating the FBI agents involved in the deadly traffic stop for allegedly not disclosing that they too fired at Finicum, although their shots did not hit him.
Claypool says he will announce more information about the lawsuit in September.
The FBI and Oregon State Police “escalated the otherwise peaceful demonstration by pursuing Finicum despite his repeated instruction to them that he was on his way” to meet with the local sheriff, Claypool said.
Claypool is also representing Ryan Bundy, another leader of the standoff who is now in custody and facing federal charges related to the wildlife refuge takeover. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.
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