DENVER — The family of a 20-year-old man shot and killed by Denver police is suing the department.

The lawsuit claims there was a cover-up in the case of Ryan Ronquillo. It also claims police used “grossly excessive deadly force.”

The shooting happened outside a crowded funeral home at West 47th Avenue and Tejon Street two years ago. Ronquillo had just arrived at the funeral of his best friend.

The lawsuit claims officers from the gang unit surrounded and rushed his car, and began punching him repeatedly before shooting him.

Ronquillo’s mother, April Sanchez, accuses police of “using physical force on him and then covering it up by not saying what they did to him and making him sound like the bad person.”

“This is a pattern of law enforcement in Denver and around the country of engaging in brutal and excessive force and in this case then not doing anything about it and then actually covering it up,” said Erica Grossman, who is representing the family.

This is the latest in a series of lawsuits against Denver police for similar allegations.

It could take a couple of months before it’s first taken up in federal court, and up to a year could pass before any trial takes place.