Seattle, Washington — A federal judge has paved the way for a long-awaited lawsuit filed by Rose Johnson, whose son was fatally shot by a Seattle police officer during a 2019 incident. U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly has scheduled a tentative trial for September 15, marking a significant step forward in a case rooted in disputes over police use of force.
This recent advancement follows a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which in March rejected claims of qualified immunity from Officer Christopher Myers. This legal doctrine often protects law enforcement from civil rights lawsuits, creating a contentious backdrop to Johnson’s ongoing battle for accountability. “It’s been six years since I lost Ryan, and each day remains a struggle,” Johnson said, emphasizing the emotional toll of her son’s death.
Ryan Smith, 31, was shot by police after officers responded to a 911 call from his girlfriend, who described a terrifying situation. While the call suggested a potential domestic violence emergency, discrepancies in the dispatcher’s log later emerged, indicating that key details were misinterpreted. Johnson’s lawsuit alleges that the conduct of Myers and another officer involved reflected “willful and reckless” disregard for Smith’s constitutional rights.
Notably, Myers had a controversial history, with three fatal shootings attributed to him between 2010 and 2019. According to Johnson’s lawsuit, the Seattle Police Department failed to take appropriate measures for Myers, showcasing “deliberate indifference.” As no disciplinary actions were taken against him, the implications of his actions have raised concerns about police accountability.
During the 911 incident, Smith’s girlfriend was reportedly barricaded in a bathroom, fearing for her safety as Smith allegedly exhibited troubling behavior. The officers, believing that her life was in danger, forced their entry into Smith’s apartment. Body camera footage indicates that, upon entry, Smith advanced toward the officers with what appeared to be a knife, leading to Myers firing eight rounds in rapid succession, a move now scrutinized in light of the recent court findings.
Legal representatives for the officers argue that Smith posed an immediate threat and maintain that their actions fell within the bounds of qualified immunity. However, the 9th Circuit’s ruling has cast doubt on these claims. Judge William Fletcher articulated that a reasonable juror might find that Smith did not actively resist arrest and might not have understood the commands issued by the officers due to their inconsistent tone and timing.
Compounding the tragedy is the assertion that Smith was undergoing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. Johnson has consistently highlighted her son’s struggles with depression and substance abuse, and her lawsuit criticizes the officers for not employing effective de-escalation techniques during their encounter.
As the September trial date approaches, both sides will prepare to present their arguments in what has become a focal point in discussions surrounding police practices and qualified immunity in the United States. The upcoming hearings are expected to delve deeper into the events of that fateful night and the broader implications for police accountability.