Family sues gun maker over pepper-spray pellet death

By Vince Mancini

Published on September 14, 2005

The family of Emerson College student Victoria Snelgrove, 21, filed suit against FN Herstal USA, alleging that the company falsely claimed that its pellets don't break the skin.

The suit claims that the density and shape of the pellets "almost guarantee a serious or fatal injury if a vital area, such as the eye, is hit."

The suit charges that FN Herstal of McLean Virginia did not adequately train officers when to use the guns, and that offers didn't understand the effects of firing a round.

The city of Boston settled a suit by the Snelgrove family in May for $5 million. As part of the settlement, the city cooperated in the suit against the gun manufacturer and will receive half of any damage award, up to $2 million.

Snelgrove was killed October 21 in a crowd gathered outside Fenway Park to celebrate Boston's win over the Yankees.

Police said some of the revelers were throwing bottles, lighting fires and wrecking cars. Snelgrove was not involved in the mayhem, but she was hit when an officer fired at another reveler who was allegedly throwing objects at police.

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