A jury has awarded nearly $80 million to the family of a 10-year-old girl killed during a 2020 police chase in Chicago. The city acknowledged its responsibility in the death of Da’Karia Spicer, with the only dispute being the financial compensation. Attorneys for the city suggested the amount should range between $12 million and $15 million, but the jury determined the sum to be $79.8 million after closing arguments.
Da’Karia was in a Honda Accord with family members when the vehicle was struck by a Mercedes traveling at about 90 mph, fleeing from the police. The officers, who had no solid reason to initiate the chase, were pursuing the car after seeing it cut through an alley, according to the family’s lawyers.
“The impact of this incident was devastating, and the Spicer family lost a bright, talented 10-year-old girl who was the heart of their family,” said attorney Patrick Salvi II.
The crash occurred while Da’Karia’s father was taking her to buy a laptop for her remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has stated it is reviewing the verdict but offered no further comment at this time.
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