Autumn Pasquale’s family sues law enforcement agencies

WOODBURY, N.J. (AP) -- The family of a New Jersey girl who was strangled by a teenage boy two years ago is suing several law enforcement agencies.

The lawsuit says that police didn't act properly and that if they had, there's "a reasonable chance" Autumn Pasquale would be alive.

The South Jersey Times reports that the lawsuit alleges that authorities should have immediately implemented a child abduction response team, instead of waiting until the next day. It also claims they refused assistance from a retired law enforcement investigator.

Pasquale, a 12-year-old Clayton resident, was killed in October 2012 after she went to a neighbor's home to trade bicycle parts.

Bernie Weisenfeld, a spokesman for the Gloucester county prosecutor, says the girl was already dead when she was reported missing. He says blaming police is misplaced.

© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.