A judge has extended the deadline for Farmington officials to submit a response to a lawsuit alleging the wrongful death of a 28-year-old U.S. Army veteran who was shot and killed by a Farmington police officer in 2011.

The town of Farmington, Officer Ryan Rosie and Chief Jack Peck have until Jan. 8 to submit an answer to the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages for civil rights violations and the wrongful death of their son, Justin Crowley-Smilek. The previous response deadline was Dec. 9.

Additional Photos

Lorna and Michael Smilek hold a 2006 photograph of Michael’s son, Justin Crowley- Smilek, who was shot and killed after he confronted Farmington police in 2012.
Lorna and Michael Smilek hold a 2006 photograph of Michael’s son, Justin Crowley- Smilek, who was shot and killed after he confronted Farmington police in 2012. Morning Sentinel File Photo / David Leaming

The parents, Ruth E. Crowley of Milwaukie, Ore., and Michael Smilek of Farmington, are claiming wrongful use of deadly force and violations of the Maine and U.S. constitutions in the shooting death of their son on Nov. 19, 2011.

Crowley-Smilek was armed with a large knife when he arrived at the Farmington municipal building and was shot a short time later by Rosie. The state attorney general later ruled the shooting justified.

The lawsuit originally was filed Nov. 13 in Franklin County Superior Court. It was moved to federal court in Portland on Nov. 27.

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