Chicago PD did not notify Philip Coleman's family before releasing graphic video

This week, the Chicago Police Department released footage of six officers beating detainee Philip Coleman and shocking him with a Taser in a cell in 2012. Coleman died soon after, and police attributed his death to an allergic reaction to a sedative — but an autopsy found internal injuries, bruises from more than 50 strikes on his body, and at least seven Taser shocks.

Coleman's family is suing the city, and they say they were given no advance warning that the video would be made public. "They had no idea that this video would come out and it's heart-wrenching," said Bishop Tavis Grant, speaking for the Colemans. "This has been a roller coaster ride from hell for them." The family previously held a copy of the tape, but they had been unable to bring themselves to watch the clip before it was unexpectedly plastered across the internet.

Philip Coleman's father, Percy, is a retired police chief who spent four decades on the job. He says the city of Chicago wants to settle the case quietly, but he will insist on a day in court and meaningful reforms in Chicago PD procedure.

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"Chicago police have 007 badges to kill whoever they want, and most of them get away with it," Percy Coleman said. The officers involved in his son's death were absolved by their department until the video came to light.