In September 2024, a $875,000 settlement was reached in a wrongful death and federal civil rights case brought on behalf of a minor (J.K.J.), whose mother, Aleah Jenkins, died after she became critically ill while under the custody of the San Diego police. The case involved allegations over the failure to provide timely medical care, constitutional rights, and the potential liability of the City of San Diego.
J.K.J. was represented by West Coast Trial Lawyers President Neama Rahmani and Partner Dean Aynechi, alongside co-counsel from the MacArthur Justice Center and Navab Law. Our legal team pursued appellate review of the constitutional claims before a three judge panel and then en banc before the Ninth Circuit. The parties were able to reach a favorable settlement on behalf of Jenkins’ family.
What Happened to Aleah Jenkins?
On November 27, 2018, officers arrested Jenkins following a traffic stop in the area of 3700 La Jolla Village Drive. During the extended ride to police headquarters, she began experiencing significant distress. According to the allegations, she vomited, screamed for help, slurred her speech, and displayed other signs that she needed medical attention. The complaint further alleged that Officer Lawrence Durbin did not request medical assistance during the transportation process.
After arriving at the San Diego Police Headquarters, Officer Durbin opened the rear door of his patrol vehicle and found Jenkins lying face down in the back seat. The lawsuit alleged that he removed her from the vehicle and placed her on the parking garage floor, where she exhibited concerning symptoms.
Officers then fingerprinted her before returning her to the patrol vehicle. Jenkins was still kept in handcuffs and had been placed face down in the back seat for more than 11 minutes before paramedics were called. By that time, the allegations state that she was unconscious and had stopped breathing. She was transported to a local medical facility for treatment, fell into a coma, and died nine days later.
Federal Civil Rights and Wrongful Death Claims
J.K.J.’s lawsuit stated that the officers denied providing appropriate medical care to his mother and violated her constitutional rights. The lawsuit also named the City of San Diego, asserting claims concerning alleged failures in the City’s hiring, training, and supervision of police officers.
The case involved several significant legal issues, including claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections for individuals in state custody, qualified immunity, and municipal liability under Monell v. Department of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978). The lawsuit also asserted state law claims, including allegations concerning negligence and the failure to summon immediate medical care under California Government Code §§ 820 and 845.6.
Following en banc proceedings, the parties reached a favorable settlement for Jenkins’ family. The Ninth Circuit subsequently granted the parties’ joint motion to dismiss the appeal pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(b).
Key Legal Authorities in the Case
How West Coast Trial Lawyers Helped the Case
Neama Rahmani, the President of West Coast Trial Lawyers, and Partner Dean Aynechi joined the legal team representing J.K.J., alongside co-counsel from the MacArthur Justice Center and Navab Law. After an earlier panel decision, Rahmani, Aynechi, and Navab sought further review before the Ninth Circuit sitting en banc.
In 2023, the Ninth Circuit granted the petition for rehearing en banc, allowing the case to move forward for additional appellate consideration. Following en banc proceedings, the parties reached a favorable settlement for Jenkins’ family of $875,000 and the prior Ninth Circuit holding was set aside.
Legal Guidance for Families Facing Wrongful Death
Cases involving a death in police custody can involve overlapping areas of law, including wrongful death, civil rights violations, governmental liability, and claims involving inadequate medical care. Families may need to look into the circumstances surrounding the death, identify potentially responsible parties, gather relevant evidence, and determine which legal claims may apply to the situation.
Our attorneys, Neama Rahmani and Dean Aynechi, demonstrated their dedication to advocating for their clients when a case involves complicated constitutional and governmental-liability-related issues. Their involvement in the appellate proceedings helped pursue further review of the constitutional issues before the matter reached a favorable settlement.
The Jenkins matter reflects the West Coast Trial Lawyer’s commitment to handling challenging cases and helping families pursue justice through the legal system. If you or someone you know has experienced similar misconduct from local law enforcement, contact West Coast Trial Lawyers to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
