Wrongful death lawsuit filed against CTA, former employee

Neshmia Malik
·1 min read
2

CHICAGO — The family of a homeless man, who was allegedly beat to death by a now-former CTA employee, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the suspect and the CTA Wednesday.

The lawsuit claims that 39-year-old Emmit Richardson abused 54-year-old Kevin Powell at the LaSalle Street Blue Line stop. The incident took place in March 2023 and Powell was pronounced dead at the station.

In a press conference held Wednesday morning, Lance Northcutt, who is representing the family, said Richardson told police that the victim overdosed.

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“Richardson went home that night, ended his shift and only when police viewed the surveillance video and saw the savage beating, when they were able to learn that everything, they were told by Richardson was a lie,” Northcutt said.

Richardson was a customer service agent at the time. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and other charges. The CTA says they are unable to comment on pending litigation.

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