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Family Of Slain Hofstra Student Files Suit Against Nassau County Police Department

NEW YORK (AP) -- The family of a 21-year-old Hofstra University student accidentally killed by a police officer during a hostage crisis has filed a wrongful death claim against the Nassau County Police Department.

Investigators say Andrea Rebello died in May after an intruder put her in a headlock, then pointed a gun at an officer who had rushed into the home. The officer fired eight times, killing both Rebello and would-be robber Dalton Smith.

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli told Newsday his office would try to settle the case in a way that ``attempts to end the pain and suffering, and start the healing.''

The family also claimed that after the shooting, Rebello's sister, Jessica, was improperly detained for hours by police officers who ``harassed, abused and humiliated'' her.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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