Tragic Death Leads to $80 Million Dollar Verdict Against Liberal City

Chicago faces an $80 million verdict in a police chase tragedy, sparking debate over pursuit policies.

At a Glance

A jury awarded $79.85 million to the family of Da’Karia Spicer, a 10-year-old killed in a 2020 police chase.
The incident occurred while the family was en route to pick up a computer for remote learning during the pandemic.
Chicago Police pursued a Mercedes-Benz that used an alley as a thru street, leading to a fatal collision.
The city acknowledged liability, leaving the jury to decide on financial compensation.
This case has reignited scrutiny of Chicago’s police chase policies and their impact on public safety.

Tragic Collision Leads to Massive Verdict

On September 2, 2020, a routine family errand turned tragic when 10-year-old Da’Karia Spicer lost her life during a high-speed police chase in Chicago. The incident, which occurred near 80th and Halsted streets, has now resulted in a staggering $79.85 million verdict against the city, ordered by a Cook County jury. The Spicer family was en route to collect a computer for remote learning during the national health crisis when their Honda was struck by a Mercedes-Benz fleeing from police at 90 mph.

The City of Chicago will pay nearly $80 million to a Chicago family for the death of their 10-year-old daughter. https://t.co/DsijVEWOdO

— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) December 12, 2024

The lawsuit, filed by the Spicer family and represented by Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, claimed that police had no reasonable grounds to pursue the Mercedes, which had merely cut through an alley. This tragic event has brought Chicago’s police chase policies under intense scrutiny, especially considering that it occurred just weeks after the Chicago Police Department revised its vehicle pursuit policy to prioritize public safety.

Financial Implications and Policy Review

The magnitude of this verdict could have far-reaching consequences for Chicago’s finances. The award nearly matches the city’s annual budget for police misconduct lawsuits. Since January 2019, Chicago taxpayers have already spent over $73 million on lawsuits related to police pursuits. A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Law stated they are “reviewing the verdict,” indicating potential further legal action.

The city’s attorneys had suggested a compensation range of $12 million to $15 million, significantly lower than the jury’s decision. This disparity highlights the severity with which the jury viewed the incident and its aftermath. The verdict may prompt a reevaluation of police pursuit policies and their implementation, especially considering the revised policy that allows officers to terminate pursuits without disciplinary consequences.

Accountability and Public Safety Concerns

Evidence presented during the trial raised serious questions about the conduct of the officers involved. Video footage from the police car showed officers predicting a crash, with one officer exclaiming “boom” upon collision. This revelation, along with the city’s acknowledgment of liability, contradicted former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s earlier statements about the incident.

The revised police pursuit policy, implemented shortly before this tragedy, mandates that marked police cars lead pursuits with activated lights and sirens. However, this case demonstrates that policy changes alone may not be sufficient to prevent such incidents. It underscores the need for rigorous training, accountability, and constant evaluation of pursuit practices to ensure public safety remains the top priority.

As Chicago grapples with the financial and ethical implications of this verdict, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of high-speed police pursuits in urban areas. The loss of young Da’Karia Spicer has not only devastated a family but has also ignited a crucial debate on balancing law enforcement needs with the safety of innocent bystanders.