Federal Lawsuit Filed Following 2023 Christmas Day Shooting On Amtrak Train In Mount Shasta

A grieving mother has filed a federal lawsuit following a tragic Christmas Day shooting in 2023 involving her son and a Mount Shasta Police Officer. Julia Detweiler, the mother of Nicholas Detweiler, claims wrongful death and federal law violations in her suit against the City of Mount Shasta, Officer Jeremiah Capurro, and others. The incident occurred Christmas Day of 2023, when Mount Shasta Police responded to reports of a disturbance on an Amtrak train traveling from Oregon. Nicholas Detweiler had allegedly threatened passengers and staff, was wearing brass knuckles, and was possibly under the influence. Body camera footage released by the Mount Shasta Police Department shows Officer Capurro boarding a darkened train car, waking Detweiler, who appeared to be asleep, by removing his hood and shining a flashlight at him. Moments later, the officer shot and killed him. Julia Detweiler alleges her son was killed without warning or justification. She notes that Nicholas had mental impairments that limited his ability to care for himself, qualifying him for protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the time, Nicholas was traveling from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Sonoma County to spend Christmas with his mother. The California Attorney General’s Office is investigating the shooting but has not yet released findings. Officer Capurro, who had been with the department for two years, is also under scrutiny. This lawsuit raises questions about law enforcement responses to individuals with disabilities and the use of force. Julia Detweiler seeks justice for her son and accountability from the city and officers involved.