The family of slain Daniel Prude, 41, are being handed a $12million settlement with the city of Rochester after he died in police custody with a “spit hood” over his head in 2020
- WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
- Prude, 41, died of asphyxiation after being hooded and pinned to the ground by officers while in custody on March 23, 2020
- Officers held him for about two minutes until he passed out. A week later he was taken off life support
- The city announced today that his estate will receive $12 million
- Mayor Malik Evans said it “would have cost taxpayers even more to fight litigation and would have taken a painful toll on our community.”
The family of a black man who died in police custody more than two years ago has been awarded $12 million in a settlement with the city of Rochester.
Daniel Prude, 41, died of asphyxiation after being hooded and pinned to the ground by officers while in custody on March 23, 2020.
The man lost consciousness while being restrained and died in hospital a week later.
The Rochester Police Department in New York initially described Prude’s death as the result of a drug overdose and largely went unnoticed.
But late-night protests erupted after the body camera video was released nearly six months later following pressure from Prude’s family.
Now Prude’s estate will be handed over $12 million in a settlement with the city.
Daniel Prude died of asphyxiation after being hooded and pinned to the ground in custody on March 23, 2020
Prude was naked and in handcuffs when the “spit hood” was pulled over his head after his brother called 911 to get help for his erratic behavior
The shocking bodycam footage sparked protests in Rochester, New York
Paramedics arrived as Prude was wrestled to the ground, still wearing the “spitting hood.”
Mayor Malik Evans (pictured) today announced the $12 million settlement
Mayor Malik Evans said: “After more than two years, the City of Rochester has entered into a settlement agreement with the Daniel Prude estate.
“In this agreement, the city will pay the property the sum of $12 million.”
‘Given the cost of ongoing litigation, this settlement was the best decision.
“Litigation would have cost taxpayers even more and taken a painful toll on our community.
“Now is the time to look ahead so we can work together and focus our efforts on Rochester’s future.”
Footage of Prude’s arrest came to light on September 4, 2022, and showed officers putting a mesh bag over Prude’s head to stop him from spitting after they arrested him for running around the streets naked.
Prude had been checked out at a hospital for strange behavior the day before, but he wasn’t admitted. His family called the police because they were concerned for Prude’s safety after he fled the home.
An officer pinned Prude’s face to the ground while another officer pressed a knee on his back. Officers held him for about two minutes until he passed out. A week later he was taken off life support.
Officers Troy Taladay, Paul Ricotta, Francisco Santiago, Andrew Specksgoor, Josiah Harris and Mark Vaughn, and Sgt. Michael Magri were suspended after Prude’s death was announced.
Prude’s death sparked protests, including this one at the Public Safety Building in Rochester on September 7, 2020