Although prosecutors declined to file charges against Burnette, the fatal encounter was unnecessary, according to John Picerno, an attorney representing Williams’ family in the lawsuit filed in late March in Jackson County Court. “We believe he unjustly took Kenneth’s life, which represents a profound breach of the public trust placed in law-enforcement officers,” Picerno wrote me in a text message. “His actions were reckless, unreasonable, and unjustified, and no person who engages in such conduct can safely or responsibly serve in any law enforcement capacity.”

Regarding the police conduct of the pursuit, Kansas City attorney John Picerno, who has represented families suing the department, said police chase cases are difficult to win because the laws are written in a way that protects police departments. “Car chases are a different thing entirely, and the law in Missouri is not favorable to plaintiffs in those types of lawsuits,” Picerno said in a phone interview. “Unfortunately, the laws need to be changed in order for plaintiffs to be able to pursue and win a claim under those circumstances.”

“Mrs. Wilson has lost her son, people have lost loved ones,” Picerno said. “It’s always a heartbreaking thing for any parent to go through to lose your child.”