Mom Sues Chicago Heights for Son’s Death in Alleged DUI Crash

The mother of the 5-year-old boy who died in a tragic alleged DUI-related car crash, discussed previously, has sued the city of Chicago Heights and her boyfriend, Cecil Connor, for wrongful death. Kathie LaFond alleges in the lawsuit that the Chicago Heights Police Department failed to take sufficient steps to determine if the driver, Connor, could safely drive the car after LaFond told the officer that she was the dedicated driver.

The suit further alleges that the officer ordered Connor to drive away from the scene. Steger police were called to the scene of the fatal crash 40 minutes after the original stop. Chicago Heights police claim that LaFond gave verbal permission for her boyfriend to leave with the child and gave no indication that Conner had been drinking. LaFond’s attorneys disagree with this version of events, claiming that the officer should have impounded the vehicle, ultimately failing to protect the child, Michael Langford Jr.

Mom of boy who died in DUI crash sues Chicago Heights, chicagotribune.com, May 15, 2010