Dominique Marylou Saucedo, a minor, et al. v. City of Huntington Park
Published: Apr. 8, 2000 | Result Date: Nov. 18, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV983495RJK Verdict – $60,000
Judge
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Brian T. Dunn
(The Cochran Firm)
Defendant
David E. Mead
(Prospera Law LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Ernest Rivera
(technical)
Defendant
Daniel Auerbach
(medical)
June E. Millet
(technical)
Robert Fonzi
(technical)
Russ Wertz
(technical)
Martin L. Fackler
(medical)
Facts
On Oct. 6, 1997, decedent Antonio Lazaro Saucedo was shot and killed by defendant police officer Allen. SaucedoÆs fatherÆs was in his home in Huntington Park, where decedent also resided. At the time of the incident, Saucedo was allegedly high on methamphetamines, acting paranoid and cutting at his wrists with a kitchen knife.
After observing his conduct for several hours, SaucedoÆs family members contacted 911 and reported to defendant dispatcher Thompson that Saucedo was holding several knives, he was on drugs, family members were present in the house, and he was threatening to harm himself. Defendant Thompson put out a radio call advising that Saucedo was armed, on drugs and threatening a family member.
Defendant Allen and another officer arrived at the scene and observed Saucedo struggling with his sister, Anjanette Saucedo. Both officers believed that Saucedo was armed with a knife and was attacking Anjanette. The officers ordered Saucedo to drop his knife and ordered his sister to step away from him; neither order was followed.
Believing that Anjanette had been stabbed and was about to be stabbed again, defendant Allen shot and killed Saucedo.
Saucedo was a 31-year-old unemployed male with a criminal history that included spousal abuse.
Plaintiffs were SaucedoÆs estate, his sisters, his parents, and his four minor children.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs made a demand for $450,000. The defendants did not make any offers.
Injuries
Death of 31-year-old male, survived by his parents, his sisters and four minor children.
Other Information
The court granted defendantsÆ Rule 50 motion as to the issues of negligent hiring and supervision, punitive damages, decedentÆs claims of assault and battery, and Anjanette SaucedoÆs claim for battery. Plaintiffs dismissed ZapataÆs claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress and Anjanette SaucedoÆs claim for assault. Following the verdict, plaintiffs settled for payment of the net amount awarded and waiver of any rights to appeal, and the judgment was set aside.
Deliberation
1½ days
Length
five days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390