Federal court records indicate the family of Charles Roundtree has taken legal action after a San Antonio Police Department officer fatally shot the 18-year-old on October 17. The department has since named Officer Steve Casanova, a five-year veteran of the force, as the shooter.
A day after the shooting, Chief William McManus said Casanova was called to a home on the West Side that is known for drug activity. While responding to an assault call, Casanova said the suspect, Davante Snowden, Roundtree
The lawsuit claims that Casanova entered the home and shined a bright light inside without identifying himself as law enforcement.
After initial reports that Casanova pulled his weapon after seeing a firearm in Roundtree's waistband, McManus clarified last Thursday that the officer "used deadly force" after seeing a weapon in Snowden's waistband.
Casanova then fired multiple shots, one striking Snowden in his rear and another fatally striking Roundtree in the chest. The lawsuit alleges that Casanova opened fire as the two men and the woman tried to make their way to the back of the house. The lawsuit also claims that Casanova didn't provide medical attention to Roundtree at the scene.
Snowden, 23, was transported to a hospital following the
Casanova has since been placed on administrative duty, which is part of the department's protocol after an officer-involved shooting. This may not be good enough for Roundtree's family as the lawsuit claims that SAPD is known for not providing officers with adequate training, supervision or discipline.
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