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Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Excessive Force

Tricia Muren v. County of Los Angeles, et al.

Published: Feb. 19, 1994 | Result Date: Nov. 1, 1993 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: GC006054 –  $0

Judge

Gabriel A. Gutierrez

Court

L.A. Superior Alhambra


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Ronald M. LaBran


Defendant

Sherry L. Hovind


Experts

Plaintiff

Fred F. Hafezi
(medical)

Defendant

Alan McRoberts
(medical)

Facts

On January 27, 1993, the Defendant Sheriff's Department, Temple City substation, was twice called to respond to a domestic violence complaint. The location was Plaintiff Tricia Muren's address. A deputy had briefly responded to a similar domestic disturbance call at the same location, earlier that same morning. Plaintiff, a 39-year-old unemployed woman who was 8 month pregnant, initially refused to open the door; instead she insisted that the Defendant deputies leave. Through the door, the deputies explained that it was necessary to see her to ensure that she was uninjured and not being held hostage. Although the Plaintiff finally opened the door a few inches, she repeatedly refused to exit the residence. One of the Defendant deputies took the Plaintiff by the wrist and guided her out onto the apartment landing. The deputies then entered the apartment, spoke to Plaintiff's son, and waited until the Plaintiff's boyfriend left the premises. The four Defendant deputies left the residence without making any arrests and without further incident.

Settlement Discussions

Defendants contend no offers or demands were exchanged.

Specials in Evidence

$2,000 $250,000

Injuries

(Plaintiff claimed) Constant pain and numbness in the left arm and shoulder, with intermittent pain in the knee requiring physical therapy; Plaintiff claimed permanent reduction in earning capacity.

Deliberation

4 hours

Poll

12-0

Length

5 days


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