Chicago, IL — A Cook County jury has decided to award $79.8 million to the family of Da’Karia Spicer, a 10-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a high-speed police chase in Chicago in 2020. The city previously admitted responsibility for her death, leaving the jury to determine the compensation amount.
During the trial, city representatives suggested a financial compensation of between $12 million and $15 million. However, after considering the final arguments, the jury awarded a significantly higher amount to the Spicer family on Wednesday.
Da’Karia was traveling in a Honda Accord with relatives when their vehicle was struck by a speeding Mercedes, which was being pursued by Chicago police. Reports from the lawsuit revealed that the Mercedes was traveling at approximately 90 mph and crashed into the Spicer’s car during the chase initiated by the police.
According to the family’s attorneys, the officers involved had seen the Mercedes speeding through an alley but did not have substantial grounds to engage in a high-speed pursuit. Patrick Salvi II, the family’s lawyer, emphasized in statements that the decision to initiate a chase was critically flawed given the circumstances.
The incident occurred amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, ironically while Da’Karia’s father was driving her to pick up a laptop for her remote learning requirements.
“The city is reviewing the verdict and has no further comment at this time,” Kristen Cabanban, a spokesperson for the city’s law department, stated following the jury’s decision.
This lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns regarding the protocols and judgments exercised during police chases, sparking debates over the necessity and safety of such pursuits. The substantial award indicates the jury’s acknowledgment of the significant impact and loss suffered by the Spicer family.
Critically, this event also puts a spotlight on the need for law enforcement to balance their pursuit of suspects with public safety, especially in densely populated urban areas where high-speed chases can lead to fatal outcomes.
Da’Karia, remembered by her family as a bright and loving child, whose life was cut short due to a questionable decision to pursue a speeding vehicle, leaves a lingering question about police protocols in urban settings.
In this tragic incident, the ramifications transcend beyond the immediate loss, prompting a larger conversation on urban law enforcement practices and their implications for community safety.
The facts, circumstances, and story as presented in this article are sourced from legal proceedings and public records. However, details reported may not be fully accurate, and any concerns or requests for corrections can be addressed by contacting contact@publiclawlibrary.org.