DALLAS — The Dallas City Council Wednesday approved a $2.5 million partial settlement for the family of Tony Timpa, who died in police custody in Dallas in 2016, a city spokesperson confirmed to WFAA.
The award comes about five months after a jury found three of four responding officers that night – Dustin Dillard, Danny Vasquez and Raymond Dominguez -- violated Timpa’s constitutional rights, court records show. Jurors also determined two of the three officers were protected by qualified immunity. Timpa’s son was awarded $1 million in damages, but no damages were awarded to Timpa’s parents or estate, according to court documents. After the civil trial, Timpa’s family had requested a new trial for damages, court records show, which paved the way for the settlement negotiations.
It’s unclear how the $2.5 million partial settlement will be divided. WFAA has reached out to an attorney representing Timpa’s mother, son and estate.
Timpa, 32, died in 2016 after he’d called 911 and reported that he was schizophrenic and off his medication. In bodycam video from when police responded that night in 2016, Timpa is seen handcuffed and face-down with officers on top of him for about 14 minutes. Timpa lost consciousness and died later that night.
Timpa’s family alleged that there was excessive force used and bystander liability, according to court records.
An autopsy report indicated Timpa died due to the toxic effects of cocaine and physiological stress associated with physical restraint.
The City of Dallas provided WFAA the following statement on the council's vote: "On behalf of the police officer defendants in the litigation involving the death of Anthony Timpa, the city reached a settlement with three of the four plaintiffs, including Mr. Timpa’s minor son, which the city council approved on February 28, 2024. This settlement allows the jury’s verdict to be fulfilled, and the litigation to be finally concluded as to these plaintiffs.”
