In a recent interview, Figueroa said the lawsuit only compounds the tragedy, which has already taken so much from the family, including a home left riddled with bullet holes and bloodstains where she couldn't bear to live in anymore.
"The first thing I thought is this man is crazy," Figueroa said about the deputy. "Not only is he destroying our lives, but he's suing me."
Her Houston-based attorney, Dean Blumrosen was so appalled by the lawsuit he agreed to represent Figueroa for no fee. He has asked a court for sanctions against attorney Mark Long of New Braunfels for even filing the "groundless" claim. He recently sent Long a letter vowing to give up his law license if the deputy prevails in a case he says is offensive not only to a grieving family, but every law enforcement officer whose job entails inherent risk.
Long, a former Austin police officer, offered no apologies.