The family of a former NFL player has filed a lawsuit over his shooting death.
David Lee "Deacon" Turner played running back for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1978 to 1980. He was shot by a Kern County deputy on July 10 outside a convenience store. Turner was accused of hitting a another deputy in the head with a bag holding two giant, unopened beer cans. After he raised the bag to hit the deputy again, the other officer opened fire, killing him.
Bakersfield Now reports Turner's family filed a federal lawsuit in Fresno, claiming his civil rights were violated. In particular, they say the former NFL player was the victim of an unreasonable search and unreasonable use of force.
KBAK & KBFX Eyewitness News reports the family intends to file a separate wrongful death lawsuit. They have hired a lawyer from the Los Angeles law firm started by Johnnie Cochran, who helped O.J. Simpson avoid a murder conviction.
After playing college football at San Diego State, Turner was selected in the second round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Bengals.
The player known as "Deacon" finished second in the NFL to Bruce Harper of the Jets with 1,149 kickoff return yards. Turner finished tied with Harper for the NFL lead with 55 kick returns.
