Family suing city over teen's death - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Family suing city over teen's death

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By David Kenney - bio | email

By David Kenney - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Two former Jackson police officers are accused of sleeping with a teenage girl who was later found dead in a Jackson park. Now the family of victim Tawanna Sandifer wants the city of Jackson to pay.

Sandifer, 16, was found beaten to death in Presidential Hills Park in 2006. At the time she was allegedly having inappropriate relations with two JPD officers.

The Sandifer family's civil trial started Monday in Hinds County. Taking the stand Monday afternoon was Toice Wilson, who has already pleaded guilty to her murder and been sentenced to life in prison.

Wilson detailed his relationship with Sandifer. He also said she told him the officers promised to help her make money, in exchange for sex.

The Sandifer family was present in the courtroom during Monday's testimony. They declined to talk to the media after listening to their daughter's killer on the stand.

The officers who were involved, Kenneth Talton and Maurice Clark, are no longer with the police department. Their attorneys said they live out of town and will not testify in this trial.

The Sandifer family is seeking the maximum judgment in the civil trial, which is $500,000.

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