Mears v. City of Los Angeles
39 y.o. cocaine-intoxicated man, in psychiatric distress and combative with paramedics and police, died from officers’ multiple tasing, blunt force, and compression asphyxia; survived by parents.
C.D. Cal.
Zerby v. City of Long Beach
Police shooting of intoxicated, 35 y.o. man holding pistol-shaped water hose nozzle; police said he pointed it at them; toxicology showed .42% blood alcohol level, plus valium and THC; survived by mother and son.
Taylor v. Los Angeles County
31 y.o. Af.-Am. man shot and killed by deputies, who claimed he revealed a hand gun in his waistband, then ran from them; officers claimed that during foot pursuit, Donte Taylor pulled out the gun; no gun was recovered.
Vivas v. County of Riverside
Police shooting of 18 y.o. man who had just committed armed burglary but was visibly unarmed at time of shooting; gunshot wound to back resulted in paraplegia.
Simplis v. Culver City
Police shooting of 27 y.o. man who allegedly spun and pointed shiny object at an officer during high-risk vehicle stop; witnesses disputed officer’s account; survived by four children.
Montalvo v. County of Los Angeles
Police shooting after vehicle pursuit of 29 y.o. man; survived by wife and two children. Settled post-verdict for $8.85M.
Valenzuela v. City of Anaheim
32 y.o. meth intoxicated man, who had threatened woman, was killed by police during restraint, including use of carotid hold and taser; body cameras did not show assaultive conduct by decedent that police claimed; survived by children.
Mendoza v. Los Angeles County
Deputies mistakenly shot and killed 54 y.o. man during standoff with armed gang member who had taken family hostage inside home; deputies mistook homeowner for suspect.
Ovando v. City of Los Angeles
Police officers from “Rampart Division” shot gang member, leaving him paralyzed; 2 officers convicted from this shooting.
Archibald v. County of San Bernardino
29 y.o. mentally ill, unarmed man shot and killed by police officer during struggle after being wrongfully detained; verdict includes $15.5 million compensatory and $18 million punitive damages; survived by parents.