Kephart v. County of San Bernardino

$4.25 Million Settlement

Landmark Case:

Kephart v. County of San Bernardino

The Settlement:

$4.25 Million

Attorney:

Tom Schultz

Practice Areas:

Wrongful Death

CASE SYNOPSIS

PSBR attorney Tom Schultz obtained a $4,250,000 settlement in a case against San Bernardino County for the parents of a 43-year-old man who died after being repeatedly tasered by Sheriff Deputies.  On May 10, 2011, Allen Kephart was pulled over into a gas station by a Sheriff Deputy, presumably because Mr. Kephart had quickly honked at the Deputy while traveling through an intersection to ensure that the Deputy did not hit him.  Although Mr. Kephart did not try to flee or fight the Deputy, the Deputy drew his service revolver, tackled him facedown onto the pavement and began to taser him.  The Deputy was joined by three additional officers who jumped on Mr. Kephart and tasered him a total of sixteen times, ignoring his recorded cries and screams.  Mr. Kephart died at the scene. 

Although the County’s investigative report cleared the Sheriff Deputies of wrongdoing, evidence elicited through discovery showed numerous inconsistencies in the Deputies’ stories leading to a settlement in the case.

Man dies after San Bernardino County deputies use Taser on him – Los Angeles Times

The Killing of Allen Kephart – Forbes

Allen Kephart Taser Death Evidence Shuffle – Reason.com