Attorneys representing the family of Leonard Cure, a Black man who was fatally shot by a Georgia deputy during a traffic stop in October, have formally notified the sheriff’s office of their intent to sue. Civil rights lawyers Ben Crump and Harry Daniels announced on Tuesday that they are seeking $16 million in restitution, with $1 million for each year Cure spent wrongfully imprisoned in Florida. Cure had been released just three years before his death. The demand for restitution comes as the family seeks justice for Cure’s tragic killing.
During a news conference, Crump expressed that everything was going well for Cure until his encounter with the sheriff’s deputy. Cure’s mother, Mary Cure, also spoke at the conference, expressing her pain of spending the holidays without her son and her determination to seek justice.
The incident occurred when Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge of Camden County pulled Cure over for speeding and reckless driving on Interstate 95. Dash and body camera footage of the incident shows Aldridge using a Taser on Cure after he refused to comply with handcuffing instructions. A violent struggle ensued, with Cure allegedly having his hand at the deputy’s throat when Aldridge shot him at point-blank range.
Relatives of Cure have claimed that his psychological trauma from his wrongful imprisonment likely contributed to his resistance. Cure was exonerated and released in 2020 after being imprisoned for an armed robbery he did not commit. The lawyers representing the family argue that Aldridge should never have been hired by Sheriff Jim Proctor, as he had a history of excessive force. Aldridge had been fired by the Kingsland Police Department in 2017 and was later hired by the sheriff’s office.
The attorneys’ letter, which was mailed to Camden County, gives the county 30 days to settle the case out of court. However, Captain Larry Bruce, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated that they had not yet received the letter and declined to comment further. Aldridge’s attorney, Adrienne Browning, also declined to comment.
Aldridge is currently on administrative leave as the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney, Keith Higgins, decides whether to pursue criminal charges in Cure’s death. Three experts who reviewed the video footage of the shooting stated that it appeared to be legally justified as Aldridge seemed to be in danger at the time. However, they criticized Aldridge for his aggressive approach and failure to deescalate the confrontation.
The Cure family’s demand for $16 million in restitution reflects their desire for justice and accountability. They believe that Aldridge should never have been employed as a deputy due to his history of violating citizens’ civil rights. As the case unfolds, the family remains focused on seeking justice for Leonard Cure’s tragic and untimely death.
