WILSON, Okla. — A federal jury has awarded $10 million to the family of Jared Lakey, who died in 2019 following a controversial encounter with law enforcement. The decision, announced Monday, holds two former officers accountable for Lakey’s death, although the family’s attorney expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome.
Spencer Bryan, the attorney representing Lakey’s family, acknowledged the jury’s verdict but indicated it fell short of their expectations. “I certainly respect the jury’s decision, even though I may not agree with it,” Bryan stated.
Lakey was subjected to 53 instances of being tased within a brief four-minute interval while officers attempted to restrain him. Brandon Dingman and Joshua Taylor, the former officers involved, are currently serving ten-year sentences for second-degree murder related to the incident.
The civil lawsuit extended beyond the actions of Dingman and Taylor, implicating the Carter County Sheriff’s Office as well. Bryan noted their legal approach included pursuing claims against various entities involved in Lakey’s death, an angle not previously explored by the district attorney.
On the night of the incident, Deputy David Duggan of the Carter County Sheriff’s Office applied a neck restraint, which was cited as a contributing factor to the heart attack that led to Lakey’s death. Testimony during the trial revealed that Dingman and Taylor misled Duggan by claiming they had only tased Lakey twice prior to his arrival for backup.
Despite the jury’s findings, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office was cleared of liability. Bryan expressed concern about accountability within law enforcement agencies. “When an agency doesn’t want to hold itself accountable, bringing those issues to light at least provides a way forward,” he said, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging problems within the system.
While the compensation awarded to the Lakey family is significant, uncertainty looms regarding its collectability. Bryan indicated that given Dingman and Taylor’s incarceration, the family might not see any financial restitution soon. “Is it collectable presently? Probably not. Is that going to be the case forever? We just don’t know,” he remarked.
The verdict adds another chapter to the troubling dialogue surrounding police conduct and accountability in the United States. The impact of Lakey’s death, and the subsequent trial, could influence future discussions about reforms and policies within law enforcement agencies.
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