PHILADELPHIA — Parents are suing Eddie Pagan and Jay Splain, Pennsylvania state troopers, alleging wrongful death.
Angelo Ardo and Jean Monaghan, individually and as personal representatives/administrators of the estate of of their son, Anthony Ardo, filed a complaint on Dec. 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the defendants, alleging they breached their duty as police officers to serve and protect, causing the death of an individual.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on May 20, 2017, Anthony Ardo was shot at 11 times while in his vehicle, being hit six times, which his mother, plaintiff Monaghan, witnessed. Monaghan claims her son went to her home as he was emotionally distressed and was approached by defendants in an attempt to prevent his suicide or to negotiate with him.
However, Anthony Ardo was shot and defendants allegedly gave conflicting inconsistent statements concerning its policy for investigating the deadly police shootings, the suit says.
Ardo was in the car with fireworks tied around his neck. A grand jury has cleared the troopers of any wrongdoing.
The plaintiffs hold Pagan and Splain responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to serve and protect plaintiff Anthony Ardo; failed to prevent his suicide attempt; failed to engage in any suicide prevention techniques; and used deadly force on him effectuating his death.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment in an amount in excess of $75,000, plus such other and further relief as the Honorable Court deems necessary and just. They are represented by Matthew Weisberg of Weisberg Law in Morton and Gary Schafkopf of Schafkopf Law LLC in Bala Cynwyd.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California Case No. 5:18-cv-05217-EGS.