Jury Awards $27.35 Million After Finding Deputy's Use of Deadly Force Unjustified Verdict Reinforces

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - EntSun -- A unanimous federal jury has returned a $27,350,000 verdict in favor of Steffon Barber, concluding that a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy violated Mr. Barber's constitutional rights by using deadly force without justification during a 2021 encounter at Mr. Barber's residence.

The jury determined that Deputy Christopher Alfred acted unreasonably and negligently when he fired six shots at Mr. Barber without warning. The shooting caused permanent injuries, leaving Mr. Barber wheelchair-dependent and facing lifelong physical, psychological, and economic consequences.

Jurors heard evidence establishing that Mr. Barber was inside his vehicle and moving slowly as he exited his driveway when the deputy opened fire. The defense's assertion that the deputy had no opportunity to avoid the shooting was contradicted by physical and forensic evidence demonstrating that the deputy had clear space to reposition rather than discharge his weapon. Discrepancies across the deputy's interviews, depositions, and sworn testimony further eroded the credibility of the defense's account.

The jury's damages award reflects both the gravity and permanence of the harm inflicted:

• $7.25 million for past pain and suffering
• $18.25 million for future pain and suffering
• $1.85 million for future economic losses

Mr. Barber was represented by lead trial counsel Dale K. Galipo, and Rodney S. Diggs, of Ivie McNeill Wyatt, Purcell & Diggs (https://www.imwlaw.com/), together with Renee V. Masongsong, and James A. Bryant II.

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In response to the verdict, Rodney Diggs stated:

"This verdict is a powerful affirmation that constitutional rights do not stop at the end of a driveway. The jury carefully weighed the evidence and held law enforcement accountable for a shooting that never should have happened. While no amount of money can restore Mr. Barber's health or mobility, today's verdict provides him with dignity, security, and a measure of justice."

The $27.35 million award reflects the jury's clear conclusion that constitutional protections apply fully on private property and that the use of lethal force must always be justified, proportional, and accountable.

ABOUT IVIE MCNEILL WYATT PURCELL & DIGGS

Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs (IMW)  is a premier L.A. law firm established in 1943. Based in Los Angeles, IMW is a Black-owned law firm serving clients for more than 82 years in a diverse range of practice areas. The firm's partners include Ricky Ivie, W. Keith Wyatt, Byron Purcell, Rodney S. Diggs, and Marie Maurice. Learn more at https://www.imwlaw.com.