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Korryn Gaines' family awarded millions in wrongful death civil suit

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Jury rules Officer Royce Ruby did not act reasonably in fatal shooting of Korryn Gaines

Family reacts to jury’s verdict in Korryn Gaines civil trial

SEE Video AT: http://www.wbaltv.com/article/jury-rules-in-favor-of-korryn-gaines-family-in-wrongful-death-civil-suit/18195705

 SHOW TRANSCRIPT

TOWSON, Md. —

The jury has ruled in favor of the family of Korryn Gaines in their wrongful death civil trial in Baltimore County.

After deliberating for about three hours, jurors ruled that Baltimore County police Officer Royce Ruby did not act reasonably in the fatal shooting of Gaines and the wounding of her son, Kodi, in August 2016.

 

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The jury awarded the family more than $36 million, including actual medical and funeral expenses and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). No punitive damages were awarded.

The jury awarded $32 million to Kodi, $300,000 to Korryn Gaines’ father, $300,000 to Korryn Gaines’ mother, $300,000 to Korryn Gaines’ estate, and $4.5 million to Karsyn Courtney, Korryn Gaines’ daughter.

Gaines’ family was crying and hugging in the courtroom after the jury verdict was read. Ruby did not flinch as the verdict and damages were read.

“I don’t know how anyone can just extinguish a life, then hide behind a badge,” Korryn Gaines’ mother, Rhanda Dormeus, said. “I can’t even get out of bed to do my activities of daily life. I was a registered nurse, a psychiatric nurse. This has ripped me apart. I am not mad with Officer Ruby. I don’t have any space to be mad because my heart is too broken.”

“For Kodi, it means a lot. Now he’s going to be able to get the help he needs. It’s a sad situation what happened, and I’m very glad the jury came back and saw what was going on in that courtroom was’t right, and what happened Aug. 1 wasn’t right either,” Korryn Gaines’ father, Corey Cunningham, said.

“This is a great day. This is a great statement on behalf of many who have been victimized by police officers — too many in our community. This is a great day,” said Ken Ravenell, attorney for Kodi Gaines.

“Korryn is smiling today. She got her day in court,” said J. Wyndal Gordon, the attorney for the Gaines family.

Baltimore County Attorney Mike Field issued a statement, saying, “A mother died, a child was unintentionally injured, and police officers were placed in mortal danger. By any account, this was a tragic situation. The county is disappointed with the verdict and is reviewing all of its options, including an appeal.”

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The plaintiffs delivered closing arguments Thursday before the jury of six women. The defense delivered closing arguments Friday, which was followed by rebuttals.

Gaines was fatally shot in a daylong standoff with Baltimore County police in August 2016. Her family sued the county and Ruby.

Attorneys for Baltimore County and Ruby argued that Ruby fired because he feared for his life and his teammates’ lives.

A county attorney implored the jury to look past sympathy for Kodi Gaines in finding Ruby acted reasonably in firing on Korryn Gaines, saying, “He was protecting himself … which is his right.”

“He was a dead man if he didn’t fire. Dead,” the county attorney said. “What parent puts her child in front of a shotgun?”

The plaintiffs claimed six of Ruby’s fellow officers said under oath that they were not in Korryn Gaines’ line of fire and never felt unsafe. Korryn Gaines was holding a rifle during the standoff.

“I think there were enough officers, on the significant points, they were consistent that everybody was safe,” Gordon said.

Ravenell called it an unconstitutional use of excessive force. He asked the jury to hold Baltimore County and Ruby accountable to the tune of $32 million plus punitive damages.

“Only you can send a message that we demand better. Only you can punish these defendants and tell them (to) either get out of police work or do it right,” Ravenell said.

A county attorney said the civil case “is all about the money.” The plaintiffs responded in rebuttals, saying, “You know what? Keep the money. Just bring Korryn Gaines back.”

In September 2016, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said no criminal charges would be filed against the officers involved.



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