Confidential
Settlement – $800,000Judge
Court
USDC Eastern
Attorneys
Plaintiff
John L. Burris
(Law Offices of John L. Burris)
Andrew C. Schwartz
(Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
W. Kenneth Katsaris
(technical)
Joanna Moss
(technical)
Defendant
Joseph J. Callanan Jr.
(technical)
Facts
Satanya Venerable, wife of Donald Venerable, came home early one morning and found Donald with another woman. Satanya began vandalizing Donald's car. Donald called the Sacramento Police Department. However, upon responding to the call, officers told Donald that, since the car belonged to both Satanya and Donald, officers could do nothing about Satanya vandalizing the car. After the incident, everyone agreed to go their separate ways. The police officers also started to leave, but returned when they saw Satanya's mother and sister turn their car around to go back to the residence. Donald was holding a 4x4 post and police ordered him to drop it. According to police, Donald reached into his pocket and retrieved a dark object. A taser gun was fired at Donald. Officer Joseph Ellis then shot and killed Donald. Eye witnesses claimed Donald was holding a cell phone. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. The defendants claimed Donald Venerable was not cooperating with police officers, and appeared to be armed thus the use of force was justified.
Injuries
Plaintiffs sought compensation for the death of their son and father.
Result
A settlement of $800,000 was reached on behalf of Donald Venerable's parents and children.
Other Information
A settlement of $800,000 was reached on behalf of Donald Venerable's parents and children without the assistance of either a settlement judge or a mediator.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390