INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A Jackson County jury awarded a $10 million judgment last Friday after a closely-watched court case involving a deputy’s fatal shooting of one person and the wounding of another. The deputy shot the pair during an encounter that escalated quickly in 2019.
Deputy Tyler Naudet of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office fired at Allen Cates, 29, and Randi McGaugh, who were in a vehicle in Independence on Sept. 12, 2019. Cates died at the scene of multiple gunshot wounds, while McGaugh sustained injuries to her shoulder and back. The courtroom was told that Naudet was acting on a felony warrant to arrest Cates, suspected in a string of car burglaries.
The jury allocated $7 million of the award to Cates’ family, which includes a son who was nine at the time of his father’s death and another child born two months posthumously. McGaugh received $3 million for her injuries and trauma stemming from the incident.
The substantial compensation reflects the jury’s view on the incident. “This verdict serves as justice for Allen’s sons, for Randi McGaugh, and acknowledges the wrongful death of Allen Cates,” Tom Porto, attorney representing the plaintiffs, shared outside the courtroom. He added the verdict was a stark testament to the appropriateness of the deputy’s actions during the incident.
Opening the trial on May 15, after beginning jury selection two days prior, the prosecution presented footage from a Ring doorbell camera which captured the tragic sequence. The footage showed police approaching as Cates’ vehicle started to roll back before moving forward, prompting Naudet’s gunfire. Despite the chaotic moment, documents submitted in court mentioned that no weapons were pointed at the officers by either occupant of the vehicle.
The defense argued that the incident escalated from what was meant to be a direct felony apprehension, with Naudet responding to the vehicle driving towards him. Amanda Langenheim, representing Naudet, stated in court that the officers had vocally commanded Cates before he allegedly drove the car directly towards the deputy.
Porto highlighted that Naudet was the only officer to use lethal force, a decision other officers onsite refrained from though having clearer visibility and assessment of the threat posed by the moving vehicle.
Naudet, who remains employed with the sheriff’s department, alongside McGaugh testified later in the trial about the series of events and decisions that led to the tragic outcome.
As of now, Sheriff Darryl Forté of Jackson County has not issued a public comment regarding the jury’s decision.
The verdict concludes a heartfelt legal battle that began with a lawsuit filed by Cates’ family and McGaugh in July 2020, seeking accountability and remedies for their profound losses and injuries. This case has brought significant attention to the procedures and judgments law enforcement officers make in high-stress situations.