Tag: Stockton Police Department

(FOX40.COM) — The City of Stockton will pay $6M as a part of a settlement to the family of a man who died in police custody in 2020.

Shayne Sutherland died at the hands of the Stockton Police Department in October of 2020 when his breathing was restricted during an arrest. Initial reports from the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office stated that his death was accidental, however, an independent autopsy revealed that Sutherland died from positional asphyxiation.

“Things need to change because this is horrible. Nobody ever wants to lose their child, especially in this way,” said Karen Sutherland, Shayne Sutherland’s mother. “Knowing how my son died and suffering and begging for his life and calling out for me.”

Bodycam footage released by SPD shows part of the interaction between officers and Shayne Sutherland during the fatal incident. His family has fought for change in police policies ever since their loss.

“We believe that the city of Stockton should adopt the 1995 Department of Justice guidelines which state clearly that when you have an individual handcuffed, you get him up off his stomach as soon as possible, place them in what’s called a recovery position,” said the family’s attorney, James Desimone.

In response to the death of Shane Sutherland, a SPD spokesperson said “SPD sympathizes and recognizes that any loss of life is a tragedy that has a lasting effect. 

We are dedicated to educating and training our Officers while collaborating with community partner organizations to best serve the community. We are dedicated to educating and training our Officers while collaborating with community partner organizations to best serve the community.”