Mother Sues After Son's Fatal Asphyxiation: Questioning Police Use of Force During Mental Health Crisis

The mother of a Black man from Charlotte who tragically died in police custody in 2022 due to mental distress is pursuing legal action against the city and four involved officers for excessive force, alleging their handling directly led to her son's passing. Jovontay Williams, a former All-America college football player, became distressed following a 911 call about gunshots on June 13, 2022. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department later released bodycam footage that revealed how officers responded to his mental health crisis. Despite identifying him as unarmed, officers restrained him after he was found unresponsive and exhibiting erratic behavior. Williams repeatedly expressed feeling lightheaded and in distress, yet officers allegedly failed to provide adequate medical assistance during the 19-minute wait for EMTs. His autopsy concluded he died from restraint asphyxia while under police custody. The lawsuit cites a disregard for established protocols concerning medical emergencies, aiming for accountability and significant policy reforms. The city is expected to respond within 21 days.