NORFOLK, Va. (AP) _ A Norfolk judge has scolded city police for selling a murder victim’s car.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that Judge Junius Fulton III admonished the police department for its handling of James Johnson’s 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis during a Friday hearing.

The 84-year-old Norfolk man was assaulted in December by his grandson, Tauris Sills, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after Johnson died from his injuries.

Johnson’s family says the car was a prized possession of the victim, who kept it in near-mint condition.

Police say they twice notified the family, in person and by phone, before selling the car for $2,500. Members of Johnson’s family say police didn’t return messages after the car was taken.

Fulton told police that Johnson’s family could sue for the value of the vehicle.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com