WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The parents of Danielle Willard, who was shot and killed by West Valley City police in November of last year, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Willard was killed “assassination style” by West Valley City Police Department detectives Shaun Cowley and Kevin Salmon.
The two detectives are on administrative leave, as are all of the other members of the department's Neighborhood Narcotics Unit. The department has been under heavy scrutiny lately, and more than 100 cases related to the unit have been dropped.
Police said they shot Willard as she was driving her car toward them—making them afraid for their lives.
Lindsey Jarvis is the attorney representing the two detectives, and she sent Fox 13 News the following statement in response:
“There does not appear to be any evidence that would suggest officer Cowley and officer Salmon assassinated Ms. Willard as the claim asserts. As such, the officers will vigorously defend themselves against these allegations.”
