By John Dempsey, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO) Cook County Jurors are hearing opening arguments Monday in the trial of a lawsuit filed by the family of an African-American teenager, shot dead by a Chicago Police officer 2015.    The family of 19-year old Quintonio LeGrier is suing the City of Chicago, saying the city is liable for the killing.

Officer Robert Rialmo shot and killed LeGrier after being called to the family’s home on the west side of Chicago, the morning after Christmas 2015.    Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx declined to file charges against Rialmo, finding that the officer was defending himself as LeGrier, who had a history of mental illness and run-ins with police, swung a baseball bat.

One of the shots Rialmo fired struck and killed LeGrier’s 55-year old neighbor Bettie Jones.   Earlier this month, lawyers for the city settled a lawsuit filed by Jones family for a reported $16 million.

Rialmo is on paid desk duty.   He is also being investigated for a bar fight this past December on the northwest side of Chicago, in which he punched two men.    Rialmo’s attorney Joel Brodsky says the officer was defending himself.

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