Family of man killed by APD officer files wrongful death lawsuit

AUSTIN, Texas – The family of a man shot and killed by Austin police has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and three police officers.

The fatal police shooting took place outside the man’s home two years ago South Austin.

“Rajan was a quiet man who would come into the room and look around, and he would walk up to the person who needed something,” said Ruth Moonesinghe, Rajan’s mother.

This is how loved ones describe 33-year-old Rajan Moonesinghe.

During the morning hours of November 15, 2022, Austin Police received a call about a man pointing a gun in the street. A caller stated that Moonesinghe was armed with a firearm and yelling at an apparent intruder in his home.

When officers arrived, they said they saw a man shooting at his home APD Officer Daniel Sanchez to fire. Moonesinghe was killed.

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On the two-year anniversary of his death, Moonsinghe’s family filed a 32-page wrongful death lawsuit. According to the family, this was the last resort.

“We have not been able to work with the city to influence policy. We have determined that a financial deterrent is the only thing that will bring progress and force Austin to embrace de-escalation policies and provide life-saving assistance,” said Mark. Moonesinghe, Rajan’s brother.

The lawsuit names the city of Austin and three APD officers: Daniel Sanchez, Stephen Market and Luis Brito as defendants.

It includes an unreasonable claim of force, failure to provide assistance and blaming the city for a lack of training.

The lawsuit asks officers to prioritize de-escalation, and even calls for a financial incentive for officers who successfully de-escalate situations.

“All officers must receive regular training and education when someone needs life-saving assistance. And finally, they must ensure that officers are disciplined if they do not de-escalate and render aid,” said Mark.

“Our hope is that today’s filing of the lawsuit will catch the attention of the city, get the attention of the APD, and rally support behind the idea that as Austin residents we deserve better than what the Moonesinghe family received,” said Jay Ellwanger. , the lawyer representing the family.

Rajan was the founder of Austin-based technology company InKind. The family says it promises to use the money from this lawsuit to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.

That day, two years later, is still remembered by his family.

‘The bullet holes aren’t there. The bloodstains are from the cement. But you know, every time I walk here, I see those things. You can’t get them out of your head,” Mark said.

APD has previously said it will continue to support Sánchez as this process progresses.

Officer Sanchez has been criminally charged for this shooting. Sánchez will appear in court in March 2025.

Sánchez’s lawyer has previously said his violence was reasonable.

“Mr. Moonesinghe was shooting in a neighborhood, he was dangerous, and when he turned on Officer Sanchez, Officer Sanchez had no choice but to use deadly force to protect himself and the other people in the neighborhood,” Brad said Heilman, the attorney representing Officer Sanchez.

FOX 7 Austin reached out to the city for comment and said they are working on a response.