Family Of Bergen County Woman Shot Dead By Police Files Federal Suit

FORT LEE, NJ — The family of a woman who was shot to death by Fort Lee police during a mental health episode filed a federal lawsuit last week.

Victoria Lee, 25, was shot and killed by police on July 28, 2024 after her family called 911 for help.

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Her family filed a wrongful death suit in federal district court on July 14.

"Instead of assisting Victoria, [police] broke down her apartment door and fatally shot her in the chest two minutes after their arrival," said a statement from the Manhattan-based civil rights law firm Neufeld Scheck, which is representing her family, along with the Lee Law Firm in Bergen County.

Around 1:30 a.m. on July 28, 2024, Lee's brother called 911, saying that she was having a mental health crisis and needed an ambulance to take her to Valley Hospital, officials and the family have said.

Her family had said she was rolling on her bed and banging her head. At some point that night, Lee was holding a small pocketknife, the family said.

Last July, after the state's Attorney General's Office investigated the shooting, a grand jury concluded its deliberations and voted “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges would be filed against Officer Tony Pickens Jr., who fatally shot Lee.

Lee’s death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity, including reviewing 911 calls and video footage. The series of events was described here.

After the shooting — and similar incidents in Jersey City and Paterson — the state has expanded a program to provide mental health workers alongside police who are responding to such a call. READ MORE: Police Join New NJ Mental Health Crisis Response Program

Federal Suit

The suit seeks an unspecified amount of damages "for the violation of Victoria's federal and state constitutional rights," said a spokesperson for attorney Amelia Green of Neufeld Scheck.

The suit names, as defendants, the Borough of Fort Lee and Officer Pickens, as well as Sgt. Hyou Joon Lee, Officer Nicholas Cima, Officer Michael Scicutella, Sgt. George Koutroubinis, and John and Jane Doe Officers.

“Individuals experiencing a mental health episode or crisis deserve to access services without the threat of violence, and their families should be able to call for help without the fear that such a call will end in their loved one’s death at the hands of police,” said attorney Green.

She added, "The U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey have issued clear directives on how to safely navigate police encounters with individuals experiencing mental health symptoms."

Victoria, 25, was a cellist who wrote and recorded songs, and "part of a close-knit family," she said.

Fort Lee Borough Attorney Brian Chewcaskie and Police Chief Matthew Hintze did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

See prior reporting here.