Columbia, SC – Bland Richter, LLP of Columbia and Charleston, SC will represent the parents of the 19-year-old Seneca teen, Zachary Hammond, who was shot and killed by a police officer Sunday, July 26, 2015.
Bland Richter has requested the State Attorney General to call for a statewide grand jury investigation into the incident. “Zachary Hammond was shot from behind and that his car was not moving,” says Eric Bland, partner of Bland Richter. This is contrary to police reports, which claim that officer was threatened by the vehicle and fired in self-defense. Zachary Hammond was unarmed.
“This is a most troubling incident that needs to be fully investigated by independent law enforcement and judicial officials,” says Bland. “We believe that a state wide grand jury needs to be impaneled to look into the circumstances of why deadly force was used in this matter.”
Although both the officer and the victim were of the same race, this matter should be investigated with the same tenacity and thoroughness as those tragic cases involving mixed races. The central issue remains the same: as a society, we need to curb the excessive and deadly use of force by our police departments in situations where such force is unwarranted.
Recent related articles:
Coroner identifies teen shot, killed by Seneca police
Parents of teen shot by police hire attorney
Seneca officer on administrative leave after deadly shooting
About Bland Richter
Bland Richter’s practice areas include a concentration complex litigation matters and partners, Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter, have a combined 45 years of legal experience. With offices in both Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, the firm serves the entire State of South Carolina and beyond. In addition to its members being admitted to practice law in South Carolina, Eric Bland is also a member of the Pennsylvania and Florida bars. Bland Richter is available for association anywhere in the Country where its services may be necessary.
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