A King County judge ruled in favor of the Lyles' estate Tuesday, refusing to dismiss their lawsuit against the city of Seattle and two police officers involved in her shooting.
Lyles' estate filed a suit saying the officers didn't account for her mental illness and didn't use proper de-escalation techniques.
Superior Court Judge Julie Spector rejected the motion brought by attorneys for Officers Jason Anderson and Steven McNew that was joined by the city, arguing the lawsuit can include a negligence claim.
Attorneys for the officers and the city of Seattle tried to dismiss the case because they believe the estate for Lyles can't sue the cops for negligence.
Lyles, a 30-year-old mother of four children, was killed in her north Seattle apartment in June 2017 after calling the police to report a burglary. Officers said she abruptly attacked them with at least one knife.
Her death sparked protests, including allegations the shooting was racially motivated because Lyles was African American and the officers are white.
An attorney for the city, Ghazal Sharifi, said they are evaluating next steps.
