WOODBURY, N.J., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Police botched the search for a New Jersey girl slain by a teenager last year, possibly causing her death, her family charged in a lawsuit.
In documents filed in Gloucester County Superior Court, the family said that a day's delay in implementing the Child Abduction Response Team when Autumn Pasquale was reported missing in October 2013 was critical. Autumn, 12, was found strangled in a trash bin two days later. Justin Robinson, 15, has admitted killing her.
"Law enforcement did not follow appropriate procedures as they should have been trained to do, including canvassing the immediate area. Law enforcement failed Autumn," the suit filed by Autumn's father Anthony, of Clayton, and two of her siblings said.
The defendants include the New Jersey State Police, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, several municipalities and three Clayton police officers.
The family has already sued Robinson's parents, alleging that they should have known of their son's emotional and neurological problems and been aware of his history of stealing bicycles.
Bernie Weisenfeld, a spokesman for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, said Autumn's death could not have been prevented by a speedier search.
"Law enforcement could not have prevented the death of Autumn, because she was killed several hours before she was ever reported missing," Weisenfeld said. "Any civil action seeking monetary damages by pointing blame at police is misplaced."
