Justice Served: Family Awarded $13.5M in LAPD Custody Death Case In a landmark decision, a federal jury has awarded $13.5 million to the family of Jacobo Juarez Cedillo, who tragically lost his life after an encounter with Los Angeles police officers in 2019. The jury unanimously found that the force and restraint used on Cedillo were excessive and unreasonable, and that the officers involved were deliberately indifferent to his constitutional rights. The disturbing bodycam video footage released by the LAPD reveals the harrowing moments leading up to Cedillo’s death. Despite his cooperation and clearly indicating that he was not armed, officers proceeded to handcuff him after finding him on the ground of a gas station parking lot. What started as a welfare check quickly escalated into a fatal incident. Cedillo became agitated while in custody, prompting officers to place him in the prone position and pin him down for an alarming duration of 4 minutes and 20 seconds. This act of restraint cut off his breathing until he lost consciousness. Even after Cedillo apparently awoke, officers once again pinned him down for an additional 2 minutes and 46 seconds, further restricting his ability to breathe. Cedillo tragically passed away days later at a hospital. The parallels between Cedillo’s case and the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020 are undeniable. Lawyers representing Cedillo’s family drew comparisons, highlighting the excessive use of force and the disregard for an individual’s constitutional rights. During the trial, the defense attempted to shift blame onto Cedillo, claiming he had been under the influence of drugs and had a preexisting heart condition. However, the jury saw through these arguments and held the officers accountable for their actions. While the LAPD ruled that the officers’ conduct was reasonable and within department policy, Chief Michel Moore expressed a desire for a different approach to Cedillo’s detention. However, no criminal charges were ever filed in the case, leaving the family seeking justice through the civil court system. The verdict brings some solace to Cedillo’s family, although it cannot bring him back. Nicole Juarez Zelaya, Cedillo’s daughter, emphasized the importance of holding police officers accountable and called for higher standards within the LAPD. The jury’s decision also shed light on the inadequate training provided to LAPD officers regarding the risks associated with prone restraint. It is crucial that retraining is implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. However, the family’s attorney, Dale K. Galipo, expressed skepticism that real change would occur, as the officers involved are still on the force and the LAPD deemed their conduct to be within policy. The LAPD has yet to comment on the verdict, leaving many to wonder what steps will be taken to address the concerns raised by this case. It is our hope that this landmark decision will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting law enforcement agencies to reassess their policies and prioritize the preservation of life and the protection of constitutional rights. Tag: Police Brutality Suggested Featured Image: “Justice Served”