Devin Mims

Devin Mims, 16, shown here in this screenshot from a video produced by the New York Times posted Wednesday, said he blames himself for the death of Tamir Rice, because he gave the boy the replica Colt BB gun Tamir had when he was shot by Cleveland police Nov. 22.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Devin Mims is caught up in the federal lawsuit between the family of 12-year-old Tamir Rice and the police officers who shot and killed him.

The 16-year-old boy who gave Tamir the replica Colt airsoft-type gun that Tamir took to Cudell Commons park Nov. 22 talked at-length for an article published Wednesday by The New York Times.

Devin said he blames himself for the death that often gets Cleveland mentioned in the same breath as Ferguson, New York and South Carolina, after police killings of black males sparked protests.

Mims, who has obtained an attorney, was named by the city of Cleveland in its amended response to the Rice family's federal lawsuit.

Northeast Ohio Media Group interviewed Samaria Rice, who was also interviewed by The New York Times, and Mildretta Warner-Davis, Tamir's grandmother, in late March.

The

in January. The case remains open.