Chicago, Illinois — A Cook County jury has awarded almost $80 million to the family of a 10-year-old girl who tragically died during a police chase in Chicago in 2020, marking a significant verdict in a city grappling with issues around policing and public safety.
The decision came after the city acknowledged its responsibility for the incident that took the life of Da’Karia Spicer. Deliberations were focused solely on determining the compensation amount, which far exceeded the city’s suggested range of $12 million to $15 million. After considerations and final statements, the jury decided on a compensation of $79.8 million.
During the trial, phrase was heard describing Da’Karia as a bright and brilliant young individual whose life was brimming with potential. Attorney Patrick Salvi II emphasized the profound devastation felt by the family, characterizing the loss of Da’Karia as a seismic blow to the heart of the family, losing what he described as the “absolute light of their lives.”
The circumstances of the fatal event were detailed in court; Da’Karia was traveling in a Honda Accord along with family members when their car was hit by a Mercedes. The Mercedes was speeding at about 90 miles per hour while fleeing from police pursuit. There was notable contention during the trial regarding whether the police had substantial grounds to initiate the chase after witnessing the Mercedes speeding through an alley.
Salvi contended in court that the circumstances did not justify the high-speed chase initiated by police, suggesting that the decision to pursue under those conditions was ungrounded and led directly to the tragic crash.
Adding a poignant context to the tragedy, it was noted during proceedings that the incident occurred while Da’Karia’s father was driving her to obtain a laptop for remote learning, a necessity due to the educational adjustments imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the verdict, the city’s law department spokesperson Kristen Cabanban stated that the city is currently reviewing the jury’s decision but did not provide further comments at this stage.
The verdict brings to light ongoing discussions about the protocols and judgments made by police in pursuits and the collateral impact on public safety. This case in particular underscores the dramatic and heart-wrenching consequences of procedural decisions and has prompted calls for revisiting pursuit policies to prevent future tragedies.
Residents and local authorities must now navigate the implications of this judgment in their ongoing assessment of police practices and their impacts on the community.
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