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Charlene DeFreese v. Chad Walder
Date: 12-02-2011
Case Number:
Judge:
Court: Superior Court, Bergen County, New Jersey
Plaintiff's Attorney: Ilann Maazel, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady, L.L.P., New York New York
Defendant's Attorney: William Finizio, West Orange, New Jersey
Description:
Charlene DeFreese, the mother of Emil Mann, a member of the Ramapough tribe, sued Park Police Officer Chad Walder and a wrongful death theory claiming that Walder wrongfully shot Mann to death on April 1, 2006 during a confrontation near Rigwood State Park over ATV riding near Stag Hill.
Wald and two colleagues were on patrol on April 1, 2006 in the woods on the date of the shooting. A number of tribal members had gathered that day for a cookout. Defendant and two other officers confronted tribal members over the riding of ATVs in the park, which was prohibited. One of the tribal members allegedly attack on the park rangers who was trying to arrest him. Walder went to the aid of the arresting officer and encountered Mann.
Wald claimed that Mann tried to take his gun away from him and he shot him twice. It was not disputed that Mann was not armed.
Wald and two colleagues were on patrol on April 1, 2006 in the woods on the date of the shooting. A number of tribal members had gathered that day for a cookout. Defendant and two other officers confronted tribal members over the riding of ATVs in the park, which was prohibited. One of the tribal members allegedly attack on the park rangers who was trying to arrest him. Walder went to the aid of the arresting officer and encountered Mann.
Wald claimed that Mann tried to take his gun away from him and he shot him twice. It was not disputed that Mann was not armed.
Outcome:
Plaintiff's verdict for $2.1 million in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of Charlene DeFreese v. Chad Walder?
The outcome was: Plaintiff's verdict for $2.1 million in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages.
Which court heard Charlene DeFreese v. Chad Walder?
This case was heard in Superior Court, Bergen County, New Jersey, NJ.
Who were the attorneys in Charlene DeFreese v. Chad Walder?
Plaintiff's attorney: Ilann Maazel, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady, L.L.P., New York New York. Defendant's attorney: William Finizio, West Orange, New Jersey.
When was Charlene DeFreese v. Chad Walder decided?
This case was decided on December 2, 2011.