Shumpert Family Wants Civil Case To Move Ahead

ABERDEEN (WCBI) – The family of Ronnie Shumpert says the civil case against Tupelo and Officer Tyler Cook must move forward . Attorneys for the Tupelo man killed by Cook earlier this summer take that stance in response to the city’s request for a stay in the case while the Department of Justce considers if it will open a formal case against Cook .

In its filing the Shumpert family points out the mere possibility a criminal case might happen is not enough to stop discovery and hearings in the civil case. The city argues any action in the civil case could prejudice any DOJ probe. Attorney Carlos Moore says the fact the state didn’t indict Cook indicates a federal case might not happen. Moore closes by saying getting the civil case decided is also in the community’s best interest because a decision would allow closure for the citizens divided on the issue.