March 9, 2023
Plaintiff Deon Jones achieved a historic victory this morning, when a federal jury in California delivered a unanimous verdict in his favor. The jury found that a Los Angeles Police Officer used excessive force in violation of Mr. Jones’ Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution when the officer shot Mr. Jones in the face with a rubber bullet on May 30, 2020, during a demonstration in Los Angeles that occurred in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The jury awarded Mr. Jones $250,000 in damages for the injuries he sustained and $125,000 in punitive damages.
Following a seven-day trial, the jury found that the police officer’s shooting was malicious, oppressive, or in reckless disregard of Mr. Jones’ rights. The trial featured extensive evidence, including body-worn camera videos that captured the events of the day. The evidence included videos showing the police officer on trial using excessive force against Mr. Jones and other innocent protesters. The trial also included testimony from eyewitnesses of the shooting as well as LAPD officers and other witnesses who testified that the officer violated LAPD’s use of force and other official policies.
Today’s verdict puts law enforcement on notice that there will be serious consequences if they abuse their authority by using their weapons against innocent protesters in violation of their Fourth Amendment rights.
We invite you to view this video offering a preview of his perspective, along with some highlights of the Gibson Dunn team’s winning strategy.
Orin Snyder of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, the lead attorney for Mr. Jones, said:
“Deon Jones filed this case to hold the defendant accountable for shooting him in the face with a rubber bullet at a protest without any justification on May 30, 2020. Justice has now been done. The defendant is being held accountable. We are grateful to the Court and the jury for their time and attention to this important case. We are proud to have stood with Mr. Jones during this long-fought battle to vindicate his constitutional rights. The jury today sent a strong message that there will be consequences if the police abuse their authority and commit acts of violence against innocent protesters.”