SAN FRANCISCO – The parents of a San Francisco woman who was fatally shot by a man in the country illegally filed legal claims against San Francisco and federal officials.
The family alleges that a Bureau of Land Management ranger left his loaded service weapon in a backpack in plain view in his car when it was stolen in June.
The semi-automatic pistol was later used in the killing of Kathryn Steinle on July 1. BLM spokeswoman Martha Maciel said the agency is cooperating with investigation but she declined further comment.
Steinle's parents filed three separate claims Tuesday seeking unspecified damages. If the claims are denied, the family could then file wrongful death lawsuits.
The family also filed claims against the San Francisco Sheriff's Department and the Department of Homeland Security for failing to keep Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez in custody.
He has pleaded not guilty.
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