City Sues Estate of Gunman Killed in Robbery Shootout

In an rare legal move, the city of Los Angeles has filed a claim against the estate of one of two gunmen fatally shot in the Feb. 28 North Hollywood bank robbery, seeking to recoup property losses and the medical costs incurred by injured officers.

The city’s claim was filed last week in response to a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city being brought on behalf of the children of one of the slain gunmen. In that suit, lawyer Steven Yagman charges that Emil Matasareanu’s civil rights were violated by Los Angeles police officers who prevented Matasareanu from receiving emergency medical care after he was shot. Matasareanu died of loss of blood from a leg wound.

Assistant City Atty. Don W. Vincent said the city should be entitled to share in any proceeds from the Yagman lawsuit, in addition to any money remaining in Matasareanu’s estate. He said the money would be used to pay for damage to public and private property, as well as for the officers’ medical costs.