Family of Joel Acevedo files civil lawsuit against Milwaukee Police Department

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The grieving mother of Joel Acevedo spoke tearfully Friday at a press conference, announcing a civil lawsuit filed against the Milwaukee Police Department and its officers. 

"I hope it helps to bring some sort of change and accountability to the city," said Maribel Acevedo, Joel's mother.

It has been almost three years to the day since off-duty officer Michael Mattioli was accused of putting Joel Acevedo in a chokehold.

Acevedo died six days later. Mattioli is awaiting trial on criminal charges.

But the family's lawsuit against MPD is based on what it claims to be a police policy of using chokeholds. 

"This has been a pattern, a practice that this city has allowed for years," said B'Ivory LaMarr. 

"They have done this case so wrong, so wrong, as my son's life does not matter," said Maribel Acevedo.

The lawsuit seeks more than $15 million in damages. 

Meanwhile, Michael Mattioli's trial on a first-degree reckless homicide charge is scheduled for early June.