The estate representing the family of Blair County Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, on their behalf, against Blair County and several officials, including the estate of the officer who pulled the trigger in the fatal shooting. Officer Russell was shot and killed last November by an Altoona police officer during a struggle inside Blair County Central Court after an inmate had taken her hostage in an attempt to escape. Last month, Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks ruled that the officer, identified as Sgt. George Bistline, was justified in his actions after authorities say he “feared for his safety.”