Lawsuit Filed Against OKC, OCPD Officers In Shooting Death Of 15-Year-Old Stavian Rodriguez

The mother of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez has filed a civil lawsuit against Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley and the five OCPD officers charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with his death.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday, by the lawyers of Cameo Holland, claims the conduct of the Oklahoma City police officers was excessive resulting in the teen’s death.

The lawsuit states officers’ actions “were not organized” in their response to the armed robbery on November 23, 2020 at a southwest OKC convenience store.

The complaint states Stavian was in the process of complying with demands when the officers, identified as Corey Adams, Jared Barton, Brad Pemberton, Bethany Sears and John Skuta, fired their weapons. 

Read: Okla. Co. DA Issues Arrest Warrants For 5 OCPD Officers Charged With Manslaughter

According to court documents, Stavian was asked to comply with conflicting demands from multiple officers on scene. 

“Conducts, acts, and omissions by officers of the OKCPD which preceded the

death of S.R. were reckless, negligent, in breach of OKCPD policy, and were a direct and

proximate cause of the injuries to and death of S.R”

The document also notes the teen made “no attempt to flee the scene or resist arrest.” Stavian was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

Related: OKC Teen Fatally Shot By Police Appeared To Have Put The Weapon On The Ground

The plaintiff is seeking actual damages in excess of $75,000 with interest accruing for emotional and physical pain and suffering, loss of consortium and punitive damages in excess of $75,000 and the cost of legal fees, according to court documents.

Read the full complaint below.