Back in July 2015, a 27-year-old Navajo woman, Loreal Tsingine, was shot and killed by a Winslow police officer. Attorney Robert Pastor is representing the family of Tsingine, seeking a wrongful death claim of $10 million on behalf of her 8-year-old daughter and husband.
Police used excessive force. The lawyers at Montoya, Lucero and Pastor are also supporting the investigation what appears to be a systemic pattern and practice of discrimination against Native Americans. Attorney Pastor had the following to say after filing the claim:
"In the United States, we believe in protecting the weak and disabled. As citizens we believe in standing up to bullies; that’s what our forefathers did when they declared their independence from British rule."
In recent news, the Winslow officer who shot and killed the victim has resigned from his position as a police officer. Tsingne’s family is more than relieved to know that the officer responsible is no longer going to be able to harass others.
As new information is coming out, it appears that the officer had a history of questionable behavior while on the force, having deployed a Taser on a 15-year-old girl whose back was to him, holding five different suspects at gunpoint, and having used physical force on at least three occasions.
Many of the residents of Winslow and members of the Navajo Nation have demanded a review of the Police Department and its treatment of Native Americans and others who have been poorly treated by Winslow police officers.
For more information on the story, click here. To learn more about Attorney Pastor or our entire firm at Montoya, Lucero & Pastor, P.A. click here or call our office in Phoenix.