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Date: 03-25-2018

Case Style:

Monique Tillman and Eric Branch v. Jared Williams and The City of Tacoma

Western District of Washington Federal Courthouse - Tacoma, Washington

Case Number: 3:16-cv-05794-RBL

Judge: Ronald B. Leighton

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Washington (Pierce County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Sean J Gamble, Rick Friedman, Vito de la Cruz and Alexander E Ackel

Defendant's Attorney: Jean Pollis Homan for Jared Williams

Description: Tacoma, WA - Monique Tillman and Eric Branch sued Tacoma police officer Jared Williams and The City of Tacoma on civil rights violation theories under 42 U.S.C. 1983 claiming that Williams tossed Monique around like a rag doll and threw her to the pavement during an encounter at a Pierce County mall in 2014.

Monique, who was 15 at the time and Eirc, who was 16, had dropped off some clothes at a consignment shop and were headed home when Williams pulled up behind Monique's bike.

Monique challenged Williams, which apparently produced an excessive response by Williams who grabbed Monique's hair.

The encounter between the children and Williams was records on a mall surveillance camera.

Williams threatened Monique with trespass.

Some Docket Entries for this case:

02/22/2018 NOTICE TO FILER re 117 Affidavit of Jean Homan. This document contains personal identifiers that must be redacted pursuant to Local Civil Rule 5.2 and FRCP 5.2. You are required to re-file a redacted version of your document using the event "Redacted Document" located in the Other Documents category. This event will allow you to link back to your original filing and will not affect your original filing date. Pursuant to LCR 5.2 and FRCP 5.2, the document(s) have been administratively sealed by the Court. (CMG) (Entered: 02/22/2018)
02/22/2018 119 ORDER ON MOTIONS IN LIMINE, signed by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. An Evidentiary Hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM. (DK) (Entered: 02/22/2018)
02/22/2018 120 NOTICE of Hearing: Evidentiary Hearing set for 3/2/2018 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom B before Judge Ronald B. Leighton.(DK) (Entered: 02/22/2018)
02/22/2018 121 ORDER Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiff's 108 Motion for Attorney Conducted Voir Dire and Jury Questionnaire, signed by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. (Attachments: # 1 Jury Questionnaire)(DK) (Entered: 02/22/2018)
02/26/2018 122 REDACTION to 117 Affidavit, by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 123 STIPULATION AND PROPOSED ORDER OF DISMISSAL OF PLAINTIFFS' OUTRAGE CLAIM by parties (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 124 TRIAL BRIEF by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 125 Proposed Jury Instructions by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams CITED (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 126 Proposed Jury Instructions by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams UNCITED (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 127 Proposed Voir Dire by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 128 Proposed Jury Instructions by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman - WITH CITATIONS (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 129 Proposed Jury Instructions by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman - WITHOUT CITATIONS (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 130 Proposed Jury Instructions by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman JOINT WITH CITATIONS (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 131 Proposed Jury Instructions by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman JOINT WITH OUT CITATIONS (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 132 Proposed Voir Dire by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman. (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/26/2018 133 Proposed Pretrial Order by Plaintiffs Eric Branch, Monique Charlene Tillman. (Ackel, Alexander) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
02/27/2018 134 ORDER on STIPULATION 123 Dismissing Plaintiffs' Outrage Claim with prejudice and without costs or fees; signed by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. (DN) (Entered: 02/27/2018)
03/02/2018 135 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Gretchen Craft; Pla Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; Def Counsel: Jean Homan; CR: Angela Nicolavo; Time of Hearing: 8:30; Courtroom: B; Final Pretrial Conference held on 3/2/2018: Jury trial is set for 3/12/2018 at 9:00 a.m.; subsequent trial days will begin at 9:30 a.m. A jury of 8 will be sworn. Each side will have 20 minutes of voir dire and 3 peremptory challenges. Counsel are directed to file suggestions for the jury questionnaire by 3/6/2018. Evidence rules, use of exhibits and daily disclosure of witnesses discussed. Court addresses Plaintiffs' request for clarification on the Courts ruling on Plaintiffs' motion in limine #1 and Defense request for clarification on what claims Plaintiffs may pursue during trial. (MGC) (Entered: 03/02/2018)
03/02/2018 136 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Gretchen Craft; Pla Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; Def Counsel: Jean Homan; CR: Angela Nicolavo; Time of Hearing: 11:00; Courtroom: B; Evidentiary Hearing held on 3/2/2018. Plaintiffs call Stanley L. Kephart, Exhs 1 (Kephart Consulting, LLC CV) & 2 (map of external camera angles) marked. Following argument, the Court rules Mr. Kephart will be allowed to testify at trial. (MGC) (Entered: 03/02/2018)
03/06/2018 137 NOTICE to Attend Trial ; filed by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 03/06/2018)
03/07/2018 138 Proposed Pretrial Order by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 03/07/2018)
03/12/2018 139 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Jean Homan,Jennifer Taylor (Officer Williams and Chief Donald Ramsdell; Def Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial Day 1 begun on 3/12/2018. Jury Trial is set for 3/13/2018 at 09:30 AM before Judge Ronald B. Leighton. Discussion re video exhibit format, collateral estoppel issue, potential missing witnesses - rulings reserved. Jury selection; 12:15/jury empaneled/sworn. Noon break. Rulings on issues raised prior to jury selection. Jury preliminarily instructed; opening statements presented. Pltf calls Amanda Webster-Martin, Officer Jared Williams. Jury excused for day; argument re previous MIL ruling regarding "special treatment" references/TPD culture. Court finds previous ruling stands. Recess until 3/13/18 at 9:30 AM.(DK) (Entered: 03/12/2018)
03/13/2018 141 Jury Peremptory Challenges (This filing includes sealed documents) (DK) (Entered: 03/13/2018)
03/13/2018 142 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Jean Homan,Jennifer Taylor (Officer Williams and Chief Donald Ramsdell; Def Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial DAY 2 held on 3/13/2018. Officer Williams resumes testimony. 9/12/17 Deposition of Jared Williams published for impeachment purposes. Pltf calls Police Chief Donald Ramsdell. Witness testimony of Ms. Pokemire & Exh A25 discussed. Noon Break. Court rules Exhibit A35 (news video) limited to Pltf's statements only. Jury returns & Chief Ramsdell resumes testimony. Pltf calls D.P. Van Blaricom, Jason Sadler. Recess until 3/14 @ 9:30 a.m. (DK) (Entered: 03/13/2018)
03/14/2018 143 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; Def Counsel: Jean Homan (Ofcr Williams & Chief Ramsdell present); CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial DAY 3 held on 3/14/2018. Mr. Sadler resumes testimony. Pltf calls Stanley Kephart, Stephanie Sawyer, Lexine Torres, Olivia Pokemire (via deposition = part transcript read into the record & part video dep), and Randal Beaton, Ph.D. Outside presence of jury, statement made by Mr. Hamilton of Pierce Co Pros Ofc for the record re clarification of objections to pltf's subpoena of Ms. Clarkson. Dr. Beaton testimony concluded. Recess until 3/15 @ 9:30. (DK) (Entered: 03/14/2018)
03/15/2018 144 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; Def Counsel: Jean Homan, Jennifer Taylor (Ofcr Williams & Chief Ramsdell present); CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial Day 4 held on 3/15/2018. Plaintiff rests; Dft moves for directed verdict on all claims - DENIED; trial schedule discussed. Jury returns & Dft calls Henry Knaack (8/29/17 deposition of Henry Knaack published for impeachment purposes ), Tifni Buchanan, Joshua McKenzie, Julie Dier, John Branham & Christopher Myers. Recess until Tuesday, 3/20 @ 9:30 a.m. (DK) (Entered: 03/16/2018)
03/19/2018 145 Proposed Jury Verdict Form by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 03/19/2018)
03/19/2018 146 Proposed Jury Verdict Form by Defendants City of Tacoma, Jared Williams. (Homan, Jean) (Entered: 03/19/2018)
03/20/2018 147 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; Def Counsel: Jean Homan (Ofcr Williams & Asst Chief Edward Wade present);; CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial Day 5 held on 3/20/2018. Defense calls Diane Clarkson, Dennis Chong, M.D., Gordon Stark, Matthew Graham and Edward Wade. Jury excused for the day and objections/exceptions to jury instructions taken for the record. Recess until 3/21 @ 9:30 AM. (DK) (Entered: 03/20/2018)
03/21/2018 148 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Jean Homan (Ofcr Williams & Asst Chief Edward Wade present); Def Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial Day 6 held on 3/21/2018. Defense callse Russell andenbelt, M.D.; defense rests. Noon break. Dft moves for directed verdict - DENIED. Jury instructed; closing arguments; 4:25 jury retires to begin deliberations - jury advises clerk they will return at 8:30 a.m. on 3/22 to commence deliberations. (DK) (Entered: 03/21/2018)
03/21/2018 153 Court's Instructions to the Jury (DK) (Entered: 03/22/2018)
03/21/2018 154 Exhibit List of Jury Trial (DK) (Entered: 03/22/2018)
03/21/2018 155 Witness List of Jury Trial (DK) (Entered: 03/22/2018)
03/22/2018 149 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton- Dep Clerk: Dara Kaleel; Pla Counsel: Jean Homan; Def Counsel: Richard Friedman, Alexander Ackel, Vito De La Cruz; CR: Barry Fanning; Jury Trial completed on 3/22/2018. 8:30 Jury commences deliberations; 10:50 Jury notes (2) addressed on the record with counsel. 3:00 Jury returns a verdict; verdict read into the record, jurors polled, thanked and released. (DK) (Entered: 03/22/2018)

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for Monique for $500,000 and for Eric for $50,000.00. Plaintiff in this kind of case are generally entitled to attorney fees and costs.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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