Federal judge awards nearly $2M after ruling FBI agent was negligent in fatal shooting of abducted Texas man
A federal judge has recently awarded nearly $2 million in damages after determining that an FBI agent was negligent in shooting and killing a kidnapped Texas man during a rescue operation gone wrong. The tragic incident occurred in January 2018 when Ulises Valladares, 47, was shot by FBI agent Gavin Lappe while being held captive in a home.
The civil lawsuit, filed in Houston federal court by Valladares’ mother and son, alleged that Valladares was bound and blindfolded and unable to defend himself when Lappe fired his weapon. Lappe claimed that he only shot when he suspected a kidnapper had grabbed his rifle, but he did not realize he was shooting Valladares.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt ruled that Lappe was negligent in his response during the rescue attempt, stating that the agent was the sole cause of Valladares’ death. Hoyt criticized Lappe for shooting at a silhouette in the window without confirming his target and for firing his weapon despite no immediate threat to himself or other agents.
Despite being shielded by qualified immunity, which protects law enforcement officers from liability for their actions, Lappe was found liable in this case. The lawsuit was allowed to proceed against the federal government, which is not immune from such liability.
Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo raised doubts about Lappe’s explanation for the shooting, stating that the evidence reviewed by police investigators did not support the agent’s account of the events leading to Valladares’ death.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences involved in high-stakes law enforcement operations. The justice served in this case brings some closure to Valladares’ family, but it also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and justice is served.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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