An attorney representing the family of Otis French, Jr., who was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Bay Minette, is demanding a full investigation into the leak of body-worn camera footage.
WALA Fox 10 reported family attorney Je Yon Jung released a statement calling the video leak "outrageous and unlawful." He said those responsible were trying to skew public perception of what happened when French was killed in 2022.
SEE ALSO: Graphic video shows officer-involved shooting of Otis French, Jr. in Bay Minette
During a demonstration organized by the Bay Minette Justice League one month after the shooting, speakers demanded law enforcement show the body cam video.
Following the video's release last week, Jung said his law firm condemned the release.
"May Jung LLP strongly condemns the unauthorized leak of body-worn camera footage related to the killing of Otis French Jr.," the statement read. "This leak, and the manner in which it was released, represents a serious violation of the legal process and a direct breach of the presiding federal judge's clear instructions to keep these videos under seal pending his ruling."
Jung said while the family has advocated for the release of the footage, they believe the way it was done is concerning.
"This breach by an 'anonymous' individual appears to be an improper attempt by certain individuals or their affiliates to manipulate judicial proceedings and public opinion," he said.
Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery said an investigation is underway to identify the source of the leak.
The officer involved was cleared of criminal charges, but the French family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Jung's full statement can be read on the Fox 10 website.
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