New Trial Date Set in Prentiss Death Case

ABERDEEN, Miss. (AP) – A wrongful death lawsuit filed against the city of Booneville and two city police officers has been rescheduled for trial on Aug. 31 in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen.

A new trial date was ordered this week after attorneys for the city asked for more time to prepare. Also, both sides say settlement talks are continuing. A status conference is July 30.

The family of David Andrew Curtiss is seeking damages of more than $150,000 for what they argue is the violation of Curtiss’ civil rights through the use of excessive force. Authorities say Curtiss died April 23, 2012, after being shot during an altercation with officers outside the home of Curtiss’ ex-wife in Booneville.

A Prentiss County grand jury declined in 2012 to indict the officers in the incident.