Stanley Wilson Jr.’s family claimed that Stanley Wilson Jr., a former NFL player, was beaten by Los Angeles County police officers before his February 1st death. The family filed a lawsuit seeking damages Tuesday against the Board of Supervisors.
Wilson was detained at L.A.’s Twin Towers Correctional Facility after he was accused of trespassing on November 20, 222. John C. Carpenter, the attorney for the family, said that Wilson was detained because he was too incompetent not to stand trial. Carpenter stated that Wilson had a history with mental illness and no medical conditions that could cause sudden death. Carpenter also said that Wilson was still alive at 9:30 the next morning.
Carpenter stated that Wilson’s family received different explanations from the county’s coroner investigator about the circumstances of their son’s death. He stated that Wilson died from a collapse in his Twin Towers cell. Carpenter later stated that Carpenter had a second report that said that he was killed in an ambulance while en route to Metropolitan State Hospital. This is a mental facility. Carpenter stated that Carpenter then told Carpenter’s family that Carpenter “fell out of his chair” and died while he was being asked intake questions by medical staff.
Wilson’s death was not confirmed by the L.A. County Medical Examiner/Coroner.
Carpenter stated that “we don’t even know who was there at the time he died” and “we don’t know what efforts were made to save him.” A healthy 40-year old man shouldn’t have died like that.”
His family claimed that they were not told the cause of his death and why there were so many bumps and bruises on his body. They don’t know if he was in custody of correctional officers or the sheriff at the time of his death.
Carpenter stated that “we don’t know which is the truth, and that’s why the claim was filed,” “so we can get down to the bottom of the matter and discover the truth about what happened to Stanley Wilson Jr.”
Wilson’s parents asked Metropolitan State Hospital for their son’s medical records. However, Carpenter said that the hospital administrators told them that he had never been admitted. Wilson’s parents claim they have not received an autopsy report from the county coroner or from a private investigator that they hired. After inspecting Wilson’s body, the law firm and his family took photos. In photos viewed on NBC News, Wilson’s hands and heads were covered in bruises. The family filed claims for damages to the county. Carpenter stated that Wilson’s wrists have ligature marks which indicate that he was being restrained at the time of the death. Wilson’s family was told by the county that Wilson had no markings.
Stanley Wilson #31 of the Detroit Lions celebrates during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Irving, Texas, in 2006.
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
On Wilson’s behalf, three separate claims for damages were made to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. One was from Stanley Wilson Sr., his father, and one from D. Pulane Lucas Lucas, his mother. D. Pulane Lucas is an educator and business owner. Wilson’s estate filed the third. L.A. County has 45-days to review the claim.
L.A. County spokesperson told NBC News that the county offered its sincere condolences for Mr. Wilson’s loved ones, but could not comment on the pending litigation. A spokesperson for L.A. County stated that they have not yet received the claims, and that Wilson died after he was transferred to Metro State Hospital.
After playing at Stanford University, Wilson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round 2005 NFL draft. After playing cornerback for three years, had 86 tackles in his NFL career. He also suffered a knee injury in 2007, and an Achilles injury in the 2008 preseason.
Multiple times Wilson was arrested for trying to enter a stranger’s house, including June 2017.
On Saturday, the Crenshaw Christian Centre in Los Angeles hosted a ceremony to celebrate Wilson’s life.
Carpenter stated that while Wilson’s family is seeking $45 million in damages for Wilson Jr., the family really wants the truth. Wilson Jr. and others with mental illness are considered “marginal,” Carpenter said, adding that LA County is responsible for Wilson Jr.
Carpenter stated that the county controlled everything that was added to Carpenter’s body. Carpenter said, “Everything that was bought, every bit of food, and all of the medicine — everything. They had complete control. The county should tell grieving parents the truth.
