Overview
- Sgt. Ryan Fryman was found liable for excessive force and battery and was assessed $5 million in compensatory damages.
- Detective John Squeo was found liable for violating Jorge Gomez’s First Amendment rights for $1.5 million and was cleared on excessive force and battery.
- Officers Dan Emerton, Andrew Locher, and Vernon Ferguson were found not liable in the shooting in which 19 rounds were fired.
- The award goes to Gomez’s parents and estate, no punitive damages were imposed, and the department is expected to cover payment through its resources and insurance, according to the family’s attorney.
- Family members and supporters held a courthouse vigil expressing mixed emotions and a desire for further accountability, while Metro and defense counsel did not comment on next steps.