Wife of homeless man shot, killed by deputies in San Clemente files claim against OC sheriff's department
The wife of Kurt Reinhold stood with other family members to call for justice nearly two weeks after the homeless man was shot and killed by deputies in San Clemente.
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KABC) -- The wife of Kurt Reinhold stood with other family members Tuesday to call for justice nearly two weeks after the homeless man was shot and killed by deputies in San Clemente.
"What did Kurt do to deserve to be shot in broad daylight? For jaywalking? None of this makes any sense," said Latoya Reinhold.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department claims he grabbed one of the deputies guns during a physical altercation. But lawyers for the family say otherwise.
"When you watch the entire sequence, you can see that it's impossible for him to close his hand and pull and withdraw the officer's gun," said attorney John Taylor.
WATCH: Video shows struggle between homeless man, OC deputies before fatal shooting in San Clemente
They say Reinhold was in and out of homelessness and taking medication for mental health issues. On Tuesday morning, attorneys filed a claim seeking accountability from the sheriff's department for how they handle the homeless, mental illness, and the Black community.
"A complete breakdown in training, a complete breakdown in discipline, a complete breakdown in violation of their own tactical rules," said Taylor.
Sheriff Don Barnes responded in a statement saying "The Orange County Sheriff's Department extends our condolences to the family of Mr. Reinhold for their loss. Every time law enforcement contact escalates to the use of deadly force, it is tragic for the family, the deputies and the community."
RELATED: Man killed during struggle with Orange County sheriff's deputies in San Clemente, authorities say
He went on to say we should reserve judgement until the District Attorney's Office completes its independent investigation, but the family's lawyers say they don't trust the system.
"How much faith can we really put in an investigation done by the District Attorney's Office. These are folks that interact with these deputies on a day to day basis," said attorney Neil Gehlawat.
Meanwhile, Reinhold's wife and kids wait for answers.
"My heart is broken. Now all we can do as a family is be there for each other, stay strong and hope and pray for justice," said Reinhold.
The county has 45 days to respond to the claim. If it's denied, the family's attorneys will then file a wrongful death lawsuit to bring the case to court.
