May 13, 2008 - Phoenix Sued Over Woman's Death

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The family of a New York woman who died while she was in custody at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport has sued city officials.

The lawsuit is the latest chapter in an escalating battle between Phoenix officials and the politically connected family of Carol Gotbaum, the 45-year-old woman who died last year while in police custody at the airport.

Her death was ruled an accident.

Earlier this year, the family filed an $8 million claim against the city of Phoenix, which was rejected.

The lawsuit alleges that city officials were negligent and violated Gotbaum's constitutional rights when they arrested her. Police used excessive force, failed to seek medical help and improperly shackled Gotbaum, the suit claims.

It appears from the police's own statements that they knew the situation was medical, not criminal, according to one Phoenix attorney.

Phoenix officials have maintained that the police officers involved did nothing wrong.

Gotbaum had flown to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on September 28th in order to catch a flight to a Tucson alcohol rehabilitation program, but was arrested after a dramatic outburst, officials said.

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