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Lawsuit targets police officers in Charleena Lyles shooting

caption: A photo of Charleena Lyles stands in memorial.
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A photo of Charleena Lyles stands in memorial.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Friday against the two Seattle police officers who shot Charleena Lyles.

Attorneys for her father, Charles Lyles, says officers weren't prepared when they went into her apartment near Magnuson Park on Fathers Day, June 18.

They said officers knew of Charleena Lyles' mental health issues and should have been prepared to de-escalate.

The lawsuit (see below) seeks unspecific damages in King County Superior Court on the behalf of Charleena Lyles' estate, represented by her father, and her four children. It names Seattle police officers Jason M. Anderson and Steven A. McNew.

Attorneys for Charles Lyles say he won't take part in a county inquest.

But a statement from an attorney who represents five other members of Lyles' family says they will participate in the county inquest, despite concerns they have with the procedure.

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