Cochran’s firm says it won’t represent slain student’s family

Thursday, March 8, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

Nationally known attorney Johnnie Cochran's firm will not represent the family of a 16-year-old high school student shot to death by a North Las Vegas Police officer.

"We do not have limitless capabilities and because of other commitments, we cannot take on the case," said Randy H. McMurray, an attorney in Cochran's Los Angeles-based firm. "We do wish the family all the best."

A 23-year-old officer shot and killed Billy Ray Finks Jr., 16, Feb. 27. Police say the teen got out of a stolen car with a toy gun, which the officer thought was real. A 15-year-old passenger in the car told the family Finks got out of the car with nothing in his hands, but gave a conflicting statement to detectives.

Sherry Finks, Billy Finks' mother, said she's going to bury her son Friday and then will turn her attention to getting someone to represent them in the Clark County coroner's inquest and any potential civil case.

"I don't know what we are going to do. I am just hurting so bad," she said. "It doesn't matter what we do, it's not going to bring my baby back to me."

A Clark County coroner's inquest set for later this month will rule if the officer's actions were justified, criminal or excusable.