$550,000 Settlement for Shooting of Two by Gang Members under Custody of Washington DOC
$550,000 Settlement for Shooting of Two by Gang Members under Custody of Washington DOC
The Washington State Department of Corrections (WDOC) paid $550,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by two people who were shot by gang members under WDOC’s supervision.
Early in the morning of October 14, 2001, Daron Edwards became involved in an argument with a gang member at a restaurant. He and a family member Keith Harrell left the restaurant and went home.
At around 2:00 AM, the Hilltop Crips called the residence to advise they “have your girls” at a store. Daron and Keith, unarmed, rushed a few blocks away to the store. As they stood in front of the store to determine if a family member was inside, they were shot by five gang members, all of whom were or should have been under WDOC’s supervision in Community Custody, Community Supervision, or on probation.
The matter proceeded to a 17-day jury trail in June 2005 that ended in mistrial. WDOC agreed on Sept. 8, 2005, to settle the matter for $550,000. The plaintiffs were represented by Seattle attorneys Thaddeus P. Martin and J.D. Smith.
See: Harrell v. Department of Corrections, Pierce County, Washington Court, Case: 03-2-12266-7
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Related legal case
Harrell v. Department of Corrections
| Year | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Pierce County, Washington Court, Case: 03-2-12266-7 |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 550,00.00 |