Attorney: Trial in wrongful death suit against Town of Cottageville to begin Oct. 1

COTTAGEVILLE, SC (WCSC) - A trial against the Town of Cottageville in the shooting death of a former mayor will begin on Oct. 1, according to an attorney representing the man's family.

Mullins McLeod, who represents the family of former Cottageville Mayor Bert Reeves, confirmed the new start date late Tuesday afternoon. The trial was supposed to start on August 11, but was postponed.

Reeves' children filed the lawsuit in 2012 against the town, the police department and former officer Randall Price, who shot Reeves during a confrontation in May, 2011.

The suit claims the town was negligent in hiring Price. Price was hired by the town in 2008 after working at several police departments.

His work history includes multiple firings, allegations of misconduct and claims of brutality.

Reeves was shot in the chest by Price after an apparent struggle.

The lawsuit claims Price targeted the former mayor.

Price no longer works the for the Cottageville Police Department.