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Posted: 8:28 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012
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TUKWILA, Wash. —
A Tukwila family said it wants justice after their loved one died when police shocked him with a stun gun last month.
Victor Duffy’s family said he suffered from bipolar disorder but was not taking his medicine when he called 911 June 30 and was not making sense.
When police arrived at the Tukwila home, Duffy’s family let them in. Duffy was holding a golf club, but his mother took it away.
When she tried to warn police about his mental health and tell them about a previous incident when police had used a stun gun on him, they failed to listen, Duffy's aunt, Jean Mills said.
“They did not want to listen, and when you’re dealing with someone who has a mental condition, you need more than just Tasers and police officers with attitudes,” said Mills.
Duffy's family said when police used a stun gun on Duffy, he ran out the front door, fell down the steps, and broke his ankle. He was loaded into an ambulance and later died.
“That was my only brother, and now he’s gone,” said Duffy’s sister, Patrice Brown.
On Wednesday night, the family lit candles and gathered to remember the 25-year-old.
Before the vigil, the family invited KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Alison Grande inside their house to show her a picture of Duffy.
“I know he would have had such a grand life if he had continued to live,” said Mills.
Grande asked Tukwila police if a stun gun could have killed Duffy.
"It would be irresponsible to draw any conclusions before the investigation is concluded,” said Mike Murphy with Tukwila police.
The family is still waiting to learn the cause of death from the medical examiner.
Duffy’s death is under investigation by a team of detectives from other police departments.
The family said it wants police to be held accountable as they prepare for the Duffy's funeral Friday.
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