Lawsuit filed against Llano County, LCSO in shooting death of man having 'mental health crisis'

LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A lawsuit was recently filed against the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) in connection with a response to an October 2022 mental health call that led to the death of Justin Harrod.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Jillian Harrod, Justin Harrod’s wife.

According to attorneys, the lawsuit alleged an excessive use of force by LCSO, Llano County, Texas, Sheriff Bill Blackburn, Deputy Byron Cervantez and Deputy Randy “Ty” Shaw.

KXAN reached out to LCSO and Llano County. This article will be updated if a statement is received.

Regarding this lawsuit, Kaplan Law Firm Attorney Ryan O. Estes said:

“Jillian Harrod called 911 because she was worried her husband was going to take his own life. Instead of saving her husband, Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies killed him while he was lying down in his own front lawn and presenting no threat to the officers. This is not the first incident of LCSO being called to help someone in a mental health crisis and responding with excessive violence, and unfortunately, if nothing changes, it will not be the last.”