Civil rights lawsuit filed in Milwaukee police custody death

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The family of a man who died in Milwaukee police custody five years ago is filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and the officers involved.

Derek Williams died July 6, 2011, after struggling to breathe while handcuffed in the back seat of a squad car. The 22-year-old Williams, a robbery suspect, can be seen in squad car video pleading for medical help.

Samster, Konkel & Safran is representing Williams’ estate and his three children. The law firm says Williams’ death was a “direct consequence” of the police department’s lack of policy on how to deal with a person in custody who is in physical distress.

The Milwaukee County district attorney, police department and a special prosecutor have cleared the two officers involved of any wrongdoing.