Family of Boston man killed in fatal encounter with police files wrongful death lawsuit

BOSTON — “He was gentle and kind to people everywhere. Everyone who knew him is devastated.”

That’s how Evan Root remembered his son at a Boston law office where he and his daughter Jennifer Root Bannon announced a wrongful death lawsuit against the police officer and agencies they believe are responsible for 41-year-old Juston Root’s death.

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“I want those responsible to be held accountable and that eventually I would like proper protocols put in place so that this sort of tragedy doesn’t happen to other families,” said Jennifer Root Bannon, Juston’s sister.

On Feb. 7, Boston Police first encountered Juston on the sidewalk outside Brigham and Women’s Hospital as they responded to a call of a man with a gun.

Juston had received psychiatric care in the area, and his family believes that’s why he was there on Feb. 7.

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Juston pointed a paintball gun at responding police.

At least one officer fired, wounding Juston.

Juston hobbled back into his car, and, while bleeding, led police on a wild chase to Chestnut Hill, where several officers finally shot him.

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A Norfolk County DA’s investigation cleared police, saying Root was reaching for a gun.

A BB gun was found underneath Juston’s body.

But Juston’s family believes there is more to this case.

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“The No. 1 thing for me was having the truth come out. It’s been extremely hurtful to my family and my extended family and friends to think that my brother took out a gun at Chestnut Hill and pointed it at officers and that he got what he deserved. Let me be clear, he did not have a weapon out at Chestnut Hill,” Jennifer Bannon Root said.

After Root’s shooting, the lawsuit alleges, police congratulated each other.

“I honestly felt sick. I felt sick. I think its disgusting. That seems heartless,” said Jennifer Bannon Root.

Boston Police and Mass State Police are not publicly responding to the lawsuit.

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