Ill. mom settles suit over son's stun gun death

[May 04, 2009]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The mother of a teen who died after being shocked by Illinois police with a stun gun has settled her wrongful death lawsuit with the city of Jerseyville.

Rita Cummings confirmed Sunday that the recent settlement over the death of her only son, Roger Holyfield, involved a payment. She declined to specify the amount or terms.

Jerseyville police have said Holyfield was shocked twice with a stun gun in 2006 after officers approached him and he turned combative.

A probe found the officers were not criminally responsible for the death.

Cummings says she doesn't feel justice has been served but settled the suit so she could "get some peace of mind."

Messages left with Jerseyville police were not immediately returned.

[Associated Press; By JIM SUHR]

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