Senior Partner
Seattle, WA – Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of David Babcock against the City of Mount Vernon, City of Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County, and Officer Maxwell Rosser. The complaint alleges that the involved officers broke the law and ultimately used excessive force to shoot and kill David Babcock after pursuing him across two cities.
On February 16, 2022, the complaint alleges the police misidentified and had no probable cause to justify the pursuit of a vehicle driven by David Babcock, a 51-year-old father of three. The lawsuit details law enforcement’s disregard for recent legislative changes aimed at reducing pursuit-related fatalities, bringing into question the conduct and training of the involved officers.
“The police officers were trained and knew it was unlawful to pursue David’s vehicle, but they disregarded the law and pursued him anyway. And in the subsequent investigation, they deployed mental gymnastics to argue that they were not pursuing. A man was killed and we’re looking for accountability” said Melanie Nguyen, counsel for the plaintiffs.
“Police officers are representatives of our governments, trusted with deadly weapons, and trained to use them only in incredibly rare circumstances where there is an imminent threat of deadly harm. These officers created a risk to themselves, to Mr. Babcock and to the residents nearby when they elected to ignore vehicle pursuit law and policy. Mr. Babcock paid for their decisions with his life.” added Gemma Zanowski, counsel for the plaintiffs.
“David was a loving, involved father. His granddaughter turned 3 the day he died in the hospital. We feel his absence every day. I hope this never happens to another family.” said David’s wife, Regina Babcock.
The Babcock family is represented by Melanie Nguyen and Gemma Zanowski of Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore, Paralegal: Krysta Renton. Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore (The Stritmatter Firm) is a nationally recognized firm based in Seattle, Washington. With a team of 17 dedicated attorneys, the firm prides itself on representing victims of wrongful death, serious personal injuries, and civil rights violations.
Complaint
In the Press
- Sedro-Woolley officer returns to force after killing motorist; lawsuit looms | Cascadia Daily News
- Investigators release body camera footage of officer-involved shooting in Sedro-Woolley | king5.com
- Family paints a different picture of Concrete man shot and killed by police | Local News | goskagit.com