In the previous entry, I explained that there are many differences between the police report, witnesses’ stories and the explanation given to the Oyamadas. Nobody would be satisfied in this situation after losing his/her family. The Oyamadas could not accept the police’s explanation about their son/brother’s death, which was full of contradictions. They have asked to release the result of an internal investigation, including the surveillance video and Ryo’s autopsy. They wrote to Mayor Bloomberg (see below) to seek his cooperation, and awaited the NYPD and Mayer Bloomberg’s answer for a month before turning in the Summons and Complaint after handling in the Notice of Claim. However, the NYPD has not given them any answers after having meeting with them on February 25th, four days after the accident. Now, the only way to find the truth behind Ryo’s death is to file a lawsuit against the NYPD.
Ryo Oyamada's father Tsuaka Oyamada and sister Tomoko Suzuki (Gothamist)
Here is a documentation of injuries claimed of their Notice of Claim, which was turned in by their new lawyer, Chris Fitzgerald.
“RYO OYAMADA sustained multiple bodily injuries leading to his death. TSUKASA OYAAMDA has sustained irreparable emotional trauma, distress and depression due to defendants’ actions subsequent to his son’s death. Monetary damages claimed in the amount of $8,000,000.00.”
The Oyamadas did not file the case for “comfort” with money. They would rather they avoid to sue, not put themselves in the difficult situation; however, it is too hard for them to live their life without knowing “why their family had to die.”
Another reason, they are filing the case is that they want to do something for their family, Ryo, who has given precious moments to them. He always tried his best to help others who needed him. And he wanted to make a humanitarian effort. He was studying in New York to increase his practical experience in those regards. He wanted to give his love back to his parents by working hard and spend time with them after coming back to Japan. But his dream was taken away with his life during his first step. The family thinks it’s their mission to reveal the truth for Ryo, who regrettably lost his life, and for them to move on.
In New York where it’s legally accepted the defendant (the NYPD) to withhold the all evidence, the lawsuit is unavoidable in order to find out the truth. What they really want is Ryo’s life back. But it is never going to happen whatever they do.
In order to raise the awareness of the accident, they set the highest amount, eight million dollar for monetary damages.