x
Breaking News
More () »

Nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent family of Erik Cantu

The parents of 17-year-old Erik Cantu, the teen shot by a former SAPD officer while eating a burger, have retained the personal injury attorney.

SAN ANTONIO — Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney has been retained by the parents of Erik Cantu, who remains hospitalized this week.

Cantu, 17, was eating in a McDonald’s parking lot, when he was approached by San Antonio Police Officer James Brennand and shot while eating a hamburger sitting in his car. 

Brennand was fired on October 4 and has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant. Erik Cantu remains on life support.

On Saturday, three days after it was announced that Crump was retained by the Cantu family, the family gave an update on the teen's condition saying, "Erik still remains on life support for his lungs, but we are seeing improvement. Any small progress seems so big to us. Erik is quite the miracle.”

Attorney Crump issued the following statement:

"It should go without saying that our children should be able to eat a meal in peace without being gunned down by police, but here we are –– yet again. Erik was unarmed and simply eating a cheeseburger when this officer violated his fourth amendment rights by opening his car door, violently accosting and shooting at him ten times. These charges are woefully inadequate considering the level of violence that this officer inflicted on the victims in the car." 

“We lift Erik and his family up in prayer as he fights for his life, and we will continue to push for justice in his name.”

Crump specializes in civil rights and catastrophic personal injury cases such as wrongful death lawsuits. His practice has focused on cases such as Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and George Floyd. 

Learn more about KENS 5:

Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.

KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.

Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.

Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.

You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!

Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.

Before You Leave, Check This Out