From [HERE] JONESBORO, Ark. — After only three hours of deliberations, a federal jury decided Friday that two West Memphis police officers cannot be held liable for the death of a 12-year-old boy, whose family filed a $250 million lawsuit after he was fatally shot by police.

Officer Sammis said he believed DeAunta Farrow was holding a gun when he and Evans, who were conducting nighttime surveillance, came upon the boy and his then-14-year-old cousin, Unseld Nance Jr., in a dimly lit parking lot in June 2007. Investigators later said DeAunta was holding a toy gun.

But DeAunta's family said the boy was not armed and filed the lawsuit against the officers, alleging they used excessive force and violated the children's civil rights. 

The family's attorney, Bennie O'Neil, said no decision has been made whether to appeal Friday's verdict. "I'm a little surprised," O'Neil said. "I thought their conduct on June 22 (2007) was unreasonable."