The family of a 28-year-old woman killed by Miami police gunfire in Wynwood has filed an amended civil lawsuit after state prosecutors decided not to bring criminal charges against the officers involved.
Evelyn Valdez was sitting in a nearby SUV while celebrating her birthday last June when she was struck by police fire during a confrontation outside a club. A fight had spilled into the street, and officers opened fire on an armed man, killing him and Valdez. The State Attorney’s Office issued a closeout memo clearing the officers of criminal wrongdoing.
Her attorney, Ray Rasco, said the family was not surprised by the decision but was disappointed by it. He said the amended complaint adds bodycam video, witness statements and new details about the shooting.
Rasco argues officers did not try to de-escalate before firing. Prosecutors said officers gave a command, but Rasco said no command can be heard on the bodycam footage. He said officers could have used a Taser.
Valdez’s mother, Kristy Garcia, said the decision compounded her grief. She said her daughter was a civilian too and that the family hopes to keep her memory alive through the case.
