Suit Against Police Settled for $30,000
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Acivil rights lawsuit alleging that six Glendale police officers beat two brothers and their sister at a party was dropped last week after the Glendale City Council approved a $30,000 settlement.
The council agreed to settle the case rather than pay private attorneys to litigate it, which could have cost at least $50,000, said Ron Braden, assistant city attorney.
Thomas and Martin Murphy, of Glendale, and Alison Murphy, of Scotland, initially asked for $5 million in damages, Braden said. The Murphys accused the officers of beating them without provocation at a party on Elk Avenue in August, 1988, after responding to a complaint about noise.
The two brothers were arrested and charged with interfering with a police officer. They were acquitted. They and their sister then sued, alleging violation of their civil rights, conspiracy and malicious prosecution.
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