News Articles

John Picerno, the families’ attorney, told The Star that the plaintiffs in the case were deeply disturbed to learn that Newton had previously taken another life. “They all believe he should no longer serve in law enforcement,” Picerno told Star reporter Caroline Zimmerman. “I am in agreement with my clients.”

The group’s attorney, John Picerno, told The Star in a text Monday that while they acknowledge the settlement “with appreciation,” it doesn’t compensate for the loss of Nelson and Fairchild at the hands of Newton, an officer previously involved in a fatal incident. "The plaintiffs were deeply disturbed to learn that the officer responsible had previously taken another life, and they all believe he should no longer serve in law enforcement. I am in agreement with my clients,” Picerno said.

“(Newton) is still employed there, so sadly it’s another example of KCPD failing to impose any type of significant sanctions against their own employees who act outside the law, in our opinion,” Picerno said.

“I think its important any time a lawsuit is settled with law enforcement. Somebody has to police the police and apparently its not KCPD who is going to police their own employees,” Picerno said.

Missouri’s second-largest county will pay a $1.2 million settlement to the parents of a 21-year-old man with mental health concerns who, according to a lawsuit, screamed “I can’t breathe” as he was subdued by jail staff before dying in a restraint chair.

Public safety officials are held to a higher standard than your ordinary citizen. And taxpayers are on the hook

The mother and children of a former Joplin resident who died June 29, 2018 in the Newton County Jail will receive a