PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council has agreed to pay up to $800,000 to settle litigation brought by the family of a man who died in a Maricopa County jail on New Year's Day 2021.
Akeem Terrell died after he was taken into custody by Phoenix police officers after he allegedly refused to leave a party. A group of police and Maricopa County Sheriff's officers applied physical pressure on Terrell as the man was lying on the ground of a jail cell, according to a lawsuit filed on Terrell's behalf.
After Terrell stopped moving, the officers left him motionless and face down on the floor. Medical help was not requested until six minutes later when officers returned and determined Terrell did not have a pulse, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit accused officers of using unnecessary force and not providing help when Terrell was in medical distress.
The city council voted 8-1 on Wednesday to authorize a settlement in the case.
UP TO SPEED
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
