Family to file $75 million lawsuit after Newnan teen shot by police

The family of Zadarious Dorsey, an 18-year-old shot and killed by a Newnan police officer during a foot chase, announced plans to file a $75 million wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Newnan, Atlanta News First and FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

The shooting occurred on October 3 when a Newnan officer followed a white car that stopped on Cliff Circle. Five men exited the vehicle, and Dorsey ran from the officer, who used a Taser before shooting Dorsey multiple times after reportedly seeing him pull a gun, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Dorsey's family and their attorneys, including civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, dispute that he was armed at the time, noting the handgun was found about 42 feet away from where Dorsey fell. They argue video evidence shows Dorsey posed no active danger when shot and question why he was targeted, as he was not suspected of an active crime or subject to a traffic stop.

Coweta County District Attorney Herb Cranford confirmed a criminal review is ongoing, focusing on whether the officer reasonably believed deadly force was necessary. Cranford also noted that Georgia self-defense laws make reasonable suspicion irrelevant to justified use of force. Body camera footage is being prepared for public release, with a version requested by the family that omits graphic content.

The legal team representing Dorsey's family has formally filed a notice of claim, a required step before suing a government entity, and seeks accountability for what they describe as excessive use of force. The City of Newnan declined to comment on pending litigation.