A Couple Receives $1.4 Million in an Alleged New Mexico Police Brutality / Civil Rights Case
Las Cruses New Mexico Photo Labeled for reuse
Jillian and Andrew Beck called the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Police Department late one night to report that a neighbor was causing a disturbance, reportedly throwing rocks and blowing an air horn at a neighborhood dog. Two police officers responded to the call. The events that followed led to allegations of police brutality against Jillian as well as civil right violations against the couple. The case went to trial in 2017, and a jury awarded the Becks $1.6 million, but city officials were considering appeal. A settlement has now been reached, however, and the couple will receive $1.4 million, which includes $465,000 in punitive damages.
The Becks’ police encounter occurred on January 5, 2013. Jillian said that after stating her complaint against her neighbor, she turned to walk away. One of the police officers suddenly and unexpectedly grabbed and twisted her arm behind her back and slammed her onto the ground. Testimony from the jury trial showed that the police officer forcefully shoved Jillian’s face into rocks as she tried to lift her head for the purpose of calling out to a neighbor.
During the incident, Jillian’s nose and wrist were both broken and fractured.
Andrew Beck testified that he was afraid his wife was choking on her own blood, and he tried to help her. At that time, the other officer placed him under arrest.
The jury found that one of the police officers allegedly violated the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when he used unreasonably excessive force on Jillian. In addition, they found that he allegedly committed the crime of battery.
The other police officer was also found in violation of the Fourth Amendment when he unlawfully seized and arrested Andrew.
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