LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) – The mother of a man shot to death by an Albany County, Wyoming, sheriff’s deputy has given formal notice she intends to file a $20 million dollar wrongful-death lawsuit against the county.
Deputy Derek Colling shot 39-year-old Robbie Ramirez after a 2018 traffic stop in Laramie. A grand jury declined to indict Colling, who remains a sheriff’s corporal.
Debbie Hinkel’s notice of intent to sue alleges the sheriff’s office failed to adequately vet Colling before hiring him. Colling was involved in two fatal shootings as a member of the Las Vegas Police Dept, which later fired him.
Albany County Attorney Peggy Trent says county officials will discuss the notice, which is required before a government entity in Wyoming can be sued.