SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A mother’s fight for justice continues five years after her daughter was wrongly declared dead by Southfield paramedics in a case that shocked the nation.
Erica Lattimore, whose daughter, Timesha Beauchamp, was incorrectly pronounced dead in August 2020, is still pursuing legal action against Southfield EMS paramedics.
“To hear someone say your child is deceased to later hearing she is not, that’s devastating to a family,” said Lattimore.
The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2020, when Southfield Fire Department paramedics pronounced Beauchamp, who lived with cerebral palsy, dead at her home.
Hours later, staff at a funeral home made the shocking discovery that she was still alive.
“She couldn’t speak for herself. She laid in a body bag a lot, and couldn’t even tell nobody,” Lattimore said.
The family’s lawsuit against Southfield EMS paramedics has faced multiple delays.
Most recently, a scheduled trial was postponed as defendants claim governmental immunity, a legal protection that shields government employees from certain types of lawsuits.
Steven Hurbis, the family’s attorney, expressed frustration with the delays.
“They’re using procedural tactics to try and delay ultimately being held accountable,” said Hurbis.
Lattimore said the delays have been taking a toll on her family.
“They just won’t allow us to have our day in court. I think that’s not right,” Lattimore said.
Despite the procedural hurdles, Lattimore remains resolute in her pursuit of accountability.
“I just take one day at a time, pray that God continues to give me the strength that I need to get through this because I am not giving up,” Lattimore said.
An official with the Southfield Community Relations Department told Local 4 the city doesn’t comment on ongoing litigation.
Lattimore said her family plans to have a balloon release on Oct. 18 to mark the five-year anniversary of her death.