DALLAS — The family of a woman who died in Dallas police custody in 2022 is suing the city of Dallas and the officers and paramedics involved in the incident, alleging negligence, excessive force and discrimination, court records show.
Ladamonyon “DeeDee” Hall, 47, died May 26, 2022, when officers and Dallas Fire Rescue crews responded to reports of a disturbance at a business in the 12000 block of Garland Road in East Dallas. Body camera video released by police showed crews pin Hall down, handcuff her, and take her into an ambulance that was en route to an area hospital with a spit hood over her head as she fought and yelled.
“During the restraint, officers placed a spit hood over Ms. Hall’s head. Ms. Hall was visibly distressed and repeatedly expressed that she was in severe discomfort and having difficulty breathing,” the lawsuit alleges. “Despite Ms. Hall’s clear distress and visible signs of a potential medical emergency, the paramedics failed to provide timely and appropriate medical attention.”
“Ms. Hall was transported to Baylor University Medical Center in an ambulance. During transport, Ms. Hall’s vital signs deteriorated significantly,” the lawsuit reads. “The paramedic in the back of the ambulance failed to monitor her condition adequately or provide necessary medical interventions.”
Hall was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, according to the lawsuit.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Hall’s death an accident, as we previously reported and a grand jury declined to indict in the case last year.
The federal lawsuit filed Tuesday cites an independent autopsy report that claimed she died of acute heart failure and notes the restraint position, use of the spit hood, and prolonged exertion.
Dallas police and fire officials and city of Dallas officials declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing the pending litigation.
The lawsuit does not name the first responders involved. The lawsuit, brought by Hall’s brother and sister, which seeks more than $2 million in damages and a trial by jury, alleges the first responders showed a “deliberate indifference” to Hall’s rights and that they laughed, made inappropriate comments about the weather while Hall pleaded for help, and misgendered her, calling her “sir,” “he,” and “him,” court records show.
“Their comments and behavior displayed a callous disregard for her dignity and well-being,” the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit further alleges the city failed to properly train, supervise, discipline, transfer and monitor corrections officials, particularly in handling detainees with mental health issues.
