$5.3 Million Settlement in Wrongful Death and Excessive Force by Los Angeles Deputies
The County of Los Angeles paid $5.3 Million to settle a wrongful death and excessive force lawsuit. The suit stemmed from the November 10, 2012, deadly force used upon Jose De La Trinidad.
Deputies pursued a speeding vehicle, which stopped and was approached on foot by deputies. As they approached, they allegedly saw the driver give a hand gun to De La Trinidad as the vehicle sped away. Another pursuit ensued, and De La Trinidad exited the vehicle as it again sped away.
He allegedly had his hands in his waistband while bent over the approaching vehicle. He allegedly ran toward a deputy and twisted to the left while crouching. Two deputies fired with deadly force, believing De La Trinidad was reaching for a gun. No charges were brought against the deputies.
Prior the February 23, 2015 settlement recommendation, the county spent $121,851 in attorney fees and $32,372 in costs. Attorney Arnoldo Casillas represented De La Trinidad’s estate. See: De La Trinidad v. County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Supreme Court, Case # BC506356.
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Related legal case
De La Trinidad v. County of Los Angeles
| Year | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Los Angeles Supreme Court, Case # BC506356. |
| Level | State Supreme Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 5,300,000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |