Wrongful death lawsuit alleges Taser killed man

A Waukegan woman filed a wrongful-death suit in federal court Monday claiming a Waukegan Police officer used excessive force when he Tasered him twice resulting in his death, according to court documents.

According to the lawsuit, Jose Alfred Martinez was walking in a parking lot on the night of May 29, 2010, when he was Tasered twice by a Waukegan police officer after walking toward the officer while unarmed.

Martinez had been debilitated by the first Taser, but was Tasered a second time in the chest area, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Martinez, a father of three sons, died as a result of excessive force used by the officer.

Sue Martinez is suing both the city of Waukegan and the individual officer who Tasered her husband and is seeking compensatory damages as well as punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs.