State & Washington Co. to be sued for Virginia cop who kidnapped CA teen and killed family
The former Virginia State Police officer accused of kidnapping and murder in California could cost Virginia and Washington County taxpayers millions if looming legal action proceeds and is successful.
Last year, Virginia state trooper Austin Lee Edwards, allegedly catfished a 15-year-old California girl. He then drove to California, killed her mother and two grandparents, and kidnapped her.
Edwards reportedly took his own life the same day after leading police on a chase to the Mojave Desert.
It has since been revealed that Edwards had a history of mental health issues and had even been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility, as reported by outlets such as the AP.
Virginia State Police claim Edwards ability to get onto the force was “the direct result of human error.” A background investigator failed to check his mental health history, VSP claimed.
The 15-year-old’s family apparently isn’t buying it. They’re gearing up to sue.
The legal notice sent to Virginia officials announcing the planned lawsuit, claims that VSP “ordered” a mental health evaluation of Edwards, he failed it, and state police “deliberately buried” the results and hired him anyway,” the…
