San Bernardino Settles for $4M with Family of Man Fatally Shot by Police [San Bernardino, CA]

SAN BERNARDINO, CA (March 31, 2024) — The City of San Bernardino has agreed to pay $4 million to the family of Robert Marquise Adams, a 23-year-old man whose death at the hands of police in July 2022 sparked national outrage. 

The incident, captured on video and widely disseminated across social media platforms, happened in a parking lot known for illegal gambling activities.

On the evening of July 16, 2022, San Bernardino Police officers, in an unmarked vehicle, confronted Adams. The police claim Adams was armed and posed a threat, a narrative disputed by Adams’ family and supporters who insist he was unarmed. The confrontation escalated rapidly, ending with Adams being shot and later succumbing to his injuries in a hospital.

Activists, including Shaun King, vehemently criticized the police’s actions, labeling the shooting a “brutal execution.” In contrast, Police Chief Darren Goodman defended his officers, stating they had identified themselves and commanded Adams to surrender before perceiving a threat when Adams took cover.

The lawsuit, championed by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, sought $100 million in damages but was settled for $4 million after mediation. 

This resolution between the City of San Bernardino and the family of Robert Marquise Adams highlights not only the tragic consequences of a fatal police shooting but also the role of experienced legal representation in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The settlement with the family of the man shot by police in San Bernardino, while not an admission of guilt, acknowledges the immense loss suffered by the Adams family and the importance of accountability.

In situations where families are grappling with the aftermath of wrongful deaths or personal injuries, especially those involving complex interactions with law enforcement or other entities, the support of a knowledgeable legal team is indispensable.