Lansing, Michigan – The city of Lansing has reached a settlement with the family of Anthony Hulon, who died in the Lansing jail in April 2020, resolving a federal wrongful death civil rights lawsuit. The agreement was approved by the Lansing City Council on Monday night, finalized just before trial was set to begin in the Western District Court of Michigan, and signed by Judge Jane M. Bickering on Tuesday.
The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, with both the city and the Hulon family remaining silent on the financial details. City spokesperson Scott Bean declined to comment, and an attorney representing the Hulon family has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Anthony Hulon, 54 at the time of his death, was incarcerated on charges related to allegations of domestic assault. His death occurred on , and was subsequently ruled a homicide by the Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office, with positional asphyxia cited as the cause of death.
The lawsuit filed by the Hulon family alleged that Mr. Hulon was restrained by Lansing Police Department jail officers while handcuffed behind his back and pinned to the ground. Video evidence of the incident reportedly shows Mr. Hulon repeatedly stating he was unable to breathe.
The case gained prominence in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis just months prior, in May 2020. Floyd’s death, also involving a restraint that restricted breathing, sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice across the United States and internationally. The similarities between the two cases – both involving individuals handcuffed behind their backs, restrained by law enforcement, and pleading that they could not breathe – drew significant attention to the circumstances surrounding Hulon’s death.
The timing of the settlement, coming three years after Mr. Hulon’s death and amidst preparations for trial, suggests a desire by the city to avoid a potentially contentious and highly publicized legal battle. The case has been closely watched by civil rights advocates and community members in Lansing, who have called for greater accountability and transparency in the city’s jail system.
Positional asphyxia, the cause of death determined by the medical examiner, occurs when a person’s breathing is restricted due to their body position, often exacerbated by external pressure. It is a potentially fatal condition that can result from prolonged restraint or improper positioning.
The lawsuit brought by the Hulon family centered on allegations of excessive force and a violation of Mr. Hulon’s civil rights. The family argued that the officers’ actions were negligent and contributed directly to his death. The settlement represents a measure of closure for the family, although the details remain confidential.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement practices and the potential for fatal consequences when individuals are restrained by police. It also underscores the importance of proper training and adherence to established protocols regarding the use of force and the monitoring of individuals in custody. The lack of public comment from both sides of the settlement raises questions about the city’s willingness to address the issues raised by the lawsuit and to implement reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
While the financial terms of the settlement are not public, the agreement itself signifies an acknowledgement of responsibility on the part of the city. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of individuals within the criminal justice system and the need for continued vigilance in protecting their rights and ensuring their safety.
The settlement comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding police accountability and the treatment of incarcerated individuals. The events of 2020, including the deaths of George Floyd and Anthony Hulon, prompted widespread calls for systemic change and a reevaluation of law enforcement practices. The outcome of this case may have implications for future litigation involving similar allegations of excessive force and wrongful death in custody.