Achieving Accountability in Horrific Wrongful Death of Jayland Walker at the Hands of Police

Bobby DiCello represented the family of Jayland Walker in a lawsuit against the city of Akron, Ohio, and the eight police officers who brutally shot and killed the unarmed 25-year-old in a hail of more than 90 bullets.

On June 27, 2022, police officers patrolling in Akron, Ohio, sought to pull over a car driven by Jayland Walker for an alleged minor traffic violation. As Walker continued to drive, other patrol cars joined in pursuit. Finally, Walker pulled over, exited the car, and ran away from what were now eight Akron police officers. Only seconds later, the officers opened fire with a barrage of more than 90 bullets. The unarmed, 25-year-old Black man was struck 46 times and died at the scene.

The brutality of the police, along with a pattern of misconduct throughout the department, inspired Bobby to join Walker’s family in a quest for justice. With Bobby’s help, the family brought a civil suit against the eight officers and the city of Akron, alleging excessive force and unconstitutional police practices. Bobby filed the suit—Jada Walker, et al. v. City of Akron—in June 2023 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.

On October 21, 2024, the Walker Family and the City of Akron announced a resolution to the litigation, with the City agreeing to pay the Walker Family $4.85 million and, importantly, examine policies and procedures and make improvements where needed for the safety of all residents.

In a joint statement, the Walker Family and City said, “We all agree: Akron should be a place where everyone is safe. We all know there are important problems to address in our community and it is through our continued commitment, courage, and conversations we will move our city forward, together.”