Judge dismisses parents' lawsuit in ‘Cop City’ shooting case
Manuel Esteban Paez Teran was killed by officers during a raid of the South River Forest area after the GBI says he opened fire, striking a GSP trooper. (Supplied)
ATLANTA - A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by the parents of an environmental activist who was shot and killed by Georgia State Patrol troopers in 2023.
What we know:
The shooting happened during a raid near the proposed public safety training facility, often referred to by protesters as "Cop City." Investigators said Manuel Paez Teran opened fire on troopers first, prompting officers to return fire.
What they're saying:
In the ruling, the judge determined the troopers’ use of deadly force was reasonable under the circumstances, citing evidence that the activist fired first.
PREVIOUS STORIES
- Manuel 'Tortuguita' Teran's family files lawsuit over activist's killing
- No charges for Georgia State troopers who killed activist at Atlanta Public Safety Training Center site
- Manuel Teran's death: DeKalb County releases autopsy for 'Cop City' protester
- Family of activist shot and killed near Atlanta police training center site holds news conference