A Chicago jury has awarded nearly $80 million to the family of a 10-year-old girl killed during a police chase and crash in 2020. The city acknowledged its responsibility for the death of Da’Karia Spicer, and the only point of dispute was the amount of the financial compensation. Attorneys for Chicago suggested the award should range from $12 million to $15 million, but the jury determined the sum to be $79.8 million following closing arguments.
Da’Karia was in a Honda Accord with family members when the vehicle was struck by a Mercedes fleeing from the police at around 90 mph. The car had been pursued after officers saw it cut through an alley, but the family’s lawyers argued the chase was unjustified, as the officers had no reasonable cause to initiate it.
“This incident was devastating for the Spicer family. They lost a bright, talented 10-year-old girl who was the heart of their family,” said attorney Patrick Salvi II.
The crash took place 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 no further comments have been made by the city’s law department spokesperson, Kristen Cabanban.
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