Posted on Mon, Mar. 20, 2006
Attorney accuses Bay County of cover-up in boot camp death
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Bay County authorities are covering up their role in the death of a boy who was punched and kicked by guards at a boot camp, and his relatives want any trial in the case moved to another area to ensure a fair proceeding, the family's attorney said Monday.
Attorney Ben Crump said Martin Lee Anderson's parents were "outraged" at medical examiner Charles Siebert's remarks last week defending his findings that the 14-year-old died from complications of sickle cell trait, a usually harmless blood disorder.
"Martin's parents have said it was a cover-up from day one," said Crump, who indicated he too was troubled that Siebert would stick to his initial findings. Investigators re-examining the death said the boy didn't die of natural causes after the confrontation at the Panama City boot camp run by sheriff's officials.
Bay County sheriff's spokeswoman Ruth Sasser didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
Anderson died early Jan. 6 at a Pensacola hospital. He had been struck, kicked and dragged to the ground by several guards during a half-hour ordeal that was recorded on video tape.
No one has been charged with a crime, but the family has threatened to sue.
© 2006 AP Wire and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
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