Divided Path: Aggravated Battery Indictment Complicates Father’s Lawsuit Against Police Over Daughter’s Ashes Desecration
Dartavius Barnes, suing the city of Springfield and its police department over the alleged desecration of his daughter’s ashes during a traffic stop, now faces charges of aggravated battery against a peace officer. This new development adds a complex layer to the ongoing lawsuit, raising questions about potential police misconduct and a grieving father’s actions.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Traffic Stop & Ashes Incident | N/A | N/A | Police stop Barnes with urn containing daughter’s ashes. Arguments ensue, officers open urn and test ashes for drugs. |
| April 2022 | Aggravated Battery Indictment | Grand Jury Indictment against Barnes | N/A | Barnes allegedly strikes officer in the arm during restraint; indicted on aggravated battery charges. |
| June 2021 | Lawsuit for Ashes Desecration | Barnes v. City of Springfield & Springfield Police Dept. | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois | Barnes claims officers violated his Fourth Amendment rights and desecrated ashes by opening urn and testing them for drugs. Seeks damages and attorney fees. |
| Current Status: | N/A | N/A | N/A | Barnes awaits trial on aggravated battery charge. Lawsuit in discovery phase; no trial date set. |
Key Points:
- Barnes’ lawsuit alleges police violated his Fourth Amendment rights and desecrated his daughter’s ashes during the traffic stop.
- Barnes now faces criminal charges of aggravated battery against a peace officer arising from the same incident.
- This new development could impact the lawsuit’s progress and outcome, depending on trial results and how evidence is presented.
- The case raises important questions about police conduct, grieving parent rights, and potential bias in legal proceedings.
Future Outlook:
- Barnes’ trial on the aggravated battery charge will likely occur before the lawsuit reaches trial, potentially influencing public perception and jury decisions.
- The lawsuit’s outcome could set precedents for similar cases involving police interactions with grieving individuals and potential violations of religious or cultural practices.
- The case is likely to remain under public scrutiny due to its sensitive nature and the complex legal and ethical issues involved.
Note:
- This information is based on publicly available reports and does not constitute legal advice.
- As the case progresses, further details and developments may emerge.
- It is crucial to follow court proceedings and reliable news sources for comprehensive updates on this complex situation.
