Arvada reached a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2021 police shooting of pregnant Destinee Thompson. The lawsuit, filed by Thompson’s family in 2023, followed the officer’s fatal shooting of the 27-year-old mother during a response to a reported shoplifting incident. While the District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, the city concluded the settlement in July. The settlement’s finalization was recently reflected in court records.
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Following the death of Ramy Elgaml during a police chase in November 2024, protests erupted across several Italian cities, fueled by recently released video footage of the incident. These demonstrations, organized by the Italian Anti-Racist Coordination, escalated in Bologna, where protesters vandalized a synagogue with antisemitic graffiti including the slogan “Justice Free Gaza.” The attack drew strong condemnation from Israeli and Italian officials, including the Italian Prime Minister, who denounced the violence and emphasized that the tragedy should not justify such actions. Several police officers were injured during the protests.
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Seattle Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr fired Officer Kevin Dave for violating four department policies, including unsafe vehicle operation, after he fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula while responding to a call at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. This decision followed an Office of Police Accountability investigation and a King County Prosecutor’s Office determination that insufficient evidence existed for felony charges. While acknowledging Dave’s good intentions, Chief Rahr cited the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving as the reason for termination. The incident, further fueled by callous remarks from another officer captured on bodycam footage, sparked widespread outrage and international attention.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report finding that Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, citing unnecessary institutionalization and inappropriate police responses to mental health crises. The DOJ investigation, launched in 2022 following a complaint, revealed a pattern of escalating situations through armed intervention rather than utilizing behavioral health professionals. This often leads to avoidable use of force and unmet mental health needs. The DOJ seeks a resolution with city and state officials but may file suit to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if necessary.
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Michael Kenyon filed a $15.5 million claim against the city of Phoenix, alleging that Phoenix police officers caused him severe third-degree burns by pinning him to scorching hot pavement for over four minutes on July 6, 2024. The claim cites a lack of officer training and unconstitutional practices, aligning with findings from a recent Department of Justice investigation. Kenyon’s injuries, which include missing flesh, resulted in over a month of hospitalization. The city is conducting an internal investigation, but has yet to release body camera footage.
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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond dismissed felony assault charges against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson, who was accused of breaking a 71-year-old man’s neck during a traffic stop altercation. Drummond cited the officer’s adherence to training and a lack of criminal intent, despite video evidence showing Gibson throwing the man to the ground. The decision followed outrage from the victim’s community and the District Attorney’s assertion that the force used was unreasonable. Drummond maintained that the victim’s actions initiated the escalation.
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Body camera footage released by New York Attorney General Letitia James shows the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The video depicts officers repeatedly punching and kicking the handcuffed Brooks, ultimately resulting in his death from asphyxiation. Following the release of the disturbing footage, Governor Hochul ordered the dismissal of fourteen correctional facility employees, and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision launched an investigation into the incident. Attorney General James emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the video evidence was shocking and disturbing.
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On December 23rd, London police officers fatally shot 61-year-old Doug Harless while serving a search warrant at his Laurel County home. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and witnessed officers entering Harless’s home before the shooting occurred. Police claim Harless pointed a weapon at them, prompting the use of lethal force, while neighbors and family dispute this account, portraying Harless as a peaceful individual and questioning the warrant’s target. The Kentucky State Police are now investigating the incident, reviewing evidence including neighbor surveillance footage.
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Body-worn camera footage from the Marcy Correctional Facility depicts correctional officers fatally beating a handcuffed inmate, Robert Brooks, resulting in an investigation by New York’s attorney general. The video shows officers punching, kicking, and otherwise assaulting Brooks, even placing an object in his mouth before repeatedly striking him. While four officers wore body cameras, audio was not recorded; the Attorney General has vowed a thorough investigation. Governor Hochul and the state Department of Corrections have condemned the actions and promised institutional changes to prevent future incidents.
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Following an FBI investigation into the February 2023 arrest and beating of Emmett Brock, a transgender man, eight Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, including several sergeants, have been dismissed. Deputy Joseph Benza III pleaded guilty to a felony charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, admitting to fabricating parts of his report and coordinating the deletion of evidence with colleagues. All charges against Brock have been dropped, and a federal civil rights lawsuit against the county and involved deputies is pending. Benza faces a maximum of ten years in prison.
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John Q. Hosedrinker