Full Notification

For release - June 6, 2019
 
FEDERAL COURT JUDGE DISMISSES NEGLIGENCE AND WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
 
 
On May 15, 2019, the case against the County of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, and the involved personnel was dismissed in federal court. This judgment stems from a case that dates back to November 30, 2012, when deputies and detectives from the Specialized Enforcement Division were attempting to locate and apprehend Clyde Murray, an armed and dangerous parolee-at-large and criminal street gang member, who was a suspect in an armed robbery.  During the apprehension of Murray, an officer-involved shooting occurred.  Murray was found to be in possession of a .45 caliber handgun.  Murray was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died. The investigation was reviewed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office on March 24, 2014.  During their review of the case, they determined the involved personnel’s actions were justified and lawful.  
 
On August 15, 2013, the County of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, and the involved personnel were served with a lawsuit claiming negligence and wrongful death. San Bernardino County retained Attorney Dennis Popka to represent the county’s interests.  Attorney Popka defended the case for almost six years. The lawsuit filed in state court was dismissed and the plaintiff refiled the case in federal court.
 
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department encourages the public to become informed on civil court cases.  State lawsuits can be reviewed at http://www.sb-court.org/divisions/civil-general-information/court-case.  To review federal lawsuits, an account can be created on www.pacer.gov.  With this account information, cases can be reviewed by any member of the public. 
 
 
Deputy Report # 601200328
San Bernardino County Civil Court Case # CIVDS1309041
Federal Court Case # CV 13-00276-TJH (SHKx)
https://patch.com/california/redlands/man-killed-by-cops-was-hemet-resident
 
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department