Family of autist man shot by Howard officers files federal suit

Alexander LaMorie took 12 shots from three police officers in March, a fact that now anchors a new federal lawsuit. The suit, filed in federal district court this week, names Howard County and the specific officers involved in the shooting death of the 25-year-old man with autism.

Jamie Strawbridge, an attorney with Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, announced the filing during a press conference on Thursday. The legal team represents LaMorie’s estate and his mother, Dr. Jill Harrington. The complaint alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state and federal laws.

"Alexander LaMorie should be alive today," Strawbridge said. "Alex is dead because, in a moment of crisis, he called 911 asking for help. Instead of providing the adapted emergency services he needed, Howard County sent four armed police officers with lethal weapons and no mental health resources."

The shooting occurred outside Patuxent Commons, a multimillion-dollar housing development in Columbia designed for adults with disabilities and seniors. LaMorie had moved into the complex just three days before the incident. His mother explained that the family chose the location for its inclusive environment and support network.

"We wanted him to maintain his independence.. but this was more of a deliberate community so he could find friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging," Dr. Harrington said. She noted that the county had emphasized its commitment to disability awareness and specialized crisis response training.

County police stated they received a 911 call regarding a man threatening self-harm. Officers found LaMorie outside his building, where he was holding a knife and walking toward them. Authorities said he refused to drop the weapon. The Maryland Attorney General’s office released body camera footage one month after the shooting, identifying the officers as Agent Joel Rodriguez, Agent Cody Bostic, and Soldier Joseph Riebau. None of the three officers faced criminal charges.

Strawbridge argued that the officers arrived without a specific plan or specialized mental health training. She claimed they asked if anyone had a Taser before using lethal force, but no one did. "So those officers resorted to a use-of-force approach, escalating the confrontation with Alex rather than de-escalating it," she said.

In May, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and former police Chief Gregory Der launched a working group on inclusion, safety, and crisis response for people with disabilities. The group, which includes police representatives and social service professionals, reviewed existing protocols in July. Dr. Harrington said the family hopes the lawsuit will serve as a catalyst for accountability and safer crisis responses. Howard County and the police department told CBS News Baltimore they do not comment on pending litigation.