Nearly $2 million neglected in fatal shooting of a kidnapped Texas man after federal judge ruled FBI agents

A federal judge sentenced nearly $2 million in compensation when an FBI agent shot a kidnapped Texas man in a tough rescue effort.

The mother and son of Ulises Valladares, 47, were awarded the money as part of a civil lawsuit filed in Houston federal court, accusing the man of being bound and blindfolded when FBI agent Gavin Lappe shot him in January 2018 when the agent shot him into his captured place.

Lappe told investigators that he fired only when the agent opened the window into the house and did not know that he had fired only when the kidnapper grabbed the rifle after he shot Valladares.

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But Houston’s U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt found that Lape’s response in the rescue attempt was “negligent, even serious negligence,” and ruled that the attorney was the only reason for Valadales’ death.

Hoyt said Rape fired in the silhouette of the window without confirming who he was shooting at, and despite no direct threat to him or other agents nearby, he fired the weapon.

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt found that in his response, in the rescue attempt, was “negligent, even serious negligence.” (iStock)

Lappe protects litigation through qualified immunity, which keeps law enforcement from liability for misconduct. But the case was allowed to be filed against the federal government, which is not liable to protect.

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FBI agent Gavin Lappe protects the lawsuit with qualified immunity, which keeps law enforcement from liability for misconduct. (iStock)

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Former Houston Police Chief Acevedo has previously said Lappe’s explanation for shooting Valladares was not supported by evidence reviewed by police investigators.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.