Family of Man Fatally Shot by Deputies Files Civil Lawsuit

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The family of a man fatally shot by Yellowstone County sheriff's deputies has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The sheriff's office has said Christopher Rudolph and Jason Robinson shot 28-year-old Loren Simpson south of Huntley on Jan. 8.

The Billings Gazette reports that county officials have yet to respond to the suit, which was filed Aug. 8. The lawsuit names Robinson and Rudolph, Sheriff Mike Linder and Yellowstone County, as well as 10 John Does, as defendants.

The suit claims the two deputies were malicious and violated federal law, including the Fourth and 14th amendments. It also says Linder had policies in place that allowed the use of excessive force.

Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito says he cannot comment on the lawsuit because he is waiting on further investigation.