Slain Durham teen's family to sue UNC-W

Wilmington, N.C. — The family of a Durham teen killed by a former New Hanover County deputy is planning legal action against the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Peyton Strickland, 18, was killed on Dec. 1, 2006, as New Hanover County deputies and UNC-W police raided a rental house in search of two stolen PlayStation 3 video systems.

Strickland, who was unarmed, was shot in the head and in the chest as he went to open the front door, authorities said.

Deputy Christopher Long told investigators he shot when he mistook the sound of a battering ram against the front door for gunshots. UNC-W police had asked for support from New Hanover deputies because they feared the residents of the house were armed and dangerous.

The teen's parents, Don and Kathy Strickland, reached a $2.45 million settlement with New Hanover County last month. In addition to the monetary payment, Sheriff Sid Causey issued a public apology for the shooting and promised to review the policies and procedures of his department's Emergency Response Team.

In a five-page release signed by the Stricklands last week, the family said they plan to file suit against UNC-W for its role in Peyton Strickland's death.

"The (Stricklands) have advised (New Hanover County officials) of their intention to pursue claims for wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress arising from the conduct of the UNC-W police department through its agents, servants and employees," the release stated, using legal language.

Long was fired shortly after the shooting, though two grand juries declined to indict him on criminal charges.

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Have they forgotten that this "poor victim" was listed on a warrant because of those stolen playstation 3s? Whether he actually stole them at gunpoint or took them afterwards... regardless. The PD shouldn't have settled to begin with and I certainly hope that UNC-W doesn't give them a dime. Either way it won't bring him back.

gordonbabe
March 14, 2008 3:36 p.m.

"...that arguement is pointless!!" That's why he was fired, so it isn't entirely 'pointless'.

Through a glass darkly
March 14, 2008 8:28 a.m.

Having known his sister by association, I cannot imagine being her and reading this.

At the same time, he grew up like my sister. Not the top of the class, but a sweet kid. He did what he did. What happened happened. Suing the university will not solve anything. If everyone was in the right, none of this would have happened. If he hadn't grown up with a "oh we'll look the other way" attitude, it may not have happened either. Welcome to Durham. I'm glad to be out.

uncbabie
March 13, 2008 7:26 p.m.

I agree with those who think the kid brought it on himself. Had he been at school to study/get and education/do something with himself, I could understand. But he was more interested in theft.

Don't they all start that way? Look at the monsters in the Chapel Hill murder, they started out stealing and ended up murderers.

I guess the original victim should watch out, daddy is probably going to sue him next. It's probably HIS fault for having the play station in the first place.

grayboomerang
March 13, 2008 6:54 p.m.

"I wouldn't stop until everybody knows what happened to my son!"- mramorak

IF this was your son, would you have raised him any better? What wouldn't you stop? - Soaking the the innocent and the taxpayer for all the money a sleazy lawyer can get you?

You could 'not stop' telling your surviving kids and all their friends how doing stupid illegal activities might get you killed, so DON'T DO IT.

Again, sorry for the family's loss, but make it better by sharing a lesson learned, not ripping off the university.

Slip Kid
March 13, 2008 6:31 p.m.