WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a landmark civil case, a jury has ruled in favor of the family of Deon Kay, the 18-year-old shot and killed by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer in 2020. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, finds the District liable for wrongful death, negligence, and battery, awarding the victim’s mother, Natasha Kay, more than $650,000 in damages.
Background: A Tragic Incident Amid National Unrest
The fatal shooting occurred on September 2, 2020, in Southeast D.C., as tensions across the country were already heightened following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The incident involving Deon Kay sparked protests outside the MPD’s 7th District station, with demonstrators demanding justice and police accountability.
Body camera footage released shortly after the incident showed Kay appearing to toss a handgun before being fatally shot. At the time, the D.C. Auditor concluded that although the officer’s use of force was technically justified under policy, he acted “recklessly and without a plan.“
Civil Case: Jury Sides with the Kay Family
In the years following the shooting, Kay’s mother pursued legal action against the District. On Thursday, nearly five years later, the jury reached a unanimous decision supporting the family’s claims.
“We got police accountability today in an American courtroom, and we are very thankful for that,” said Yaida Ford, the attorney representing Natasha Kay.
Activist Nee Nee Taylor, affiliated with the social justice group Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, also hailed the verdict, calling it a message to law enforcement:
“Today’s verdict is a sign to law enforcement that they are held accountable. You have to stop killing Black people as a means of stopping us.”
Contradictory Testimony and New Policies
A key issue in the trial revolved around whether Deon Kay still had a weapon in his hand when he was shot. While the officer claimed he did, the footage and testimony painted a different picture.
“The officer’s story was that the gun was still in Deon’s hand,” said Ford. “But all the evidence didn’t support that. Another officer even testified that young suspects typically toss their weapons and flee, which is why police should exercise more caution when approaching.”
Following the shooting, the District held multiple forums and eventually adopted a new foot pursuit policy, aimed at reducing unnecessary confrontations between officers and suspects.
District Called Case a “Nuisance”
Ford also revealed that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) allegedly dismissed the case as having “nuisance value”, refusing to offer any settlement.
“They didn’t think it was worth extending an offer to this mother,” Ford explained. “We took that personally—and so did the jury.”
While the $650,000 verdict marks a legal victory for the Kay family, it may not be the final word. According to Ford, the District has filed a motion to overturn the verdict.
“The fight is not over,” she said.
Awaiting Response from the District
7News has reached out to the Office of the Attorney General for comment, but no response has yet been provided. The story will be updated pending official remarks from city officials.
A Step Toward Justice
Although the legal battle may continue, the jury’s decision is being seen as a symbolic win for those seeking justice and reform in policing.
“This verdict affirms what we knew all along,” said Ford. “That reckless policing has consequences—and that families like Deon Kay’s deserve justice.”
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