Utah Parents Sue Police, City Over Son’s Shooting Death

A West Valley City, Utah couple is suing police, claiming officers used excessive force in the 2010 shooting death of their son.

Etta and Frank Chief filed the civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City this week.

West Valley City police shot and killed 21-year-old Brandon Chief in December at his home while responding to a domestic dispute call.

Authorities say Chief confronted officers with a knife. He was shot three times. Prosecutors determined the shooting was justified, but Chief’s family says he was shot in the back, indicating he was retreating and not a threat.

They also say authorities had no right to enter the home without a warrant. The city’s attorney wasn’t immediately available for comment.