Louisiana Stun Gun Death Could Reach Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court could take its first look at police use of stun guns in a case involving the death of a Louisiana man who was shocked by police eight times after he had been handcuffed.

The justices could say on Monday whether they will hear the case of Baron Pikes in the fall. They are being asked to review a lower court ruling that dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed on behalf of Pikes' young son against a former police officer in the central Louisiana town of Winnfield.

The justices have previously rejected appeals from victims of stun gun use and from police in state and federal court cases.

Amnesty International says more than 540 people have died following police use of stun guns in the U.S. since 2001.