Oklahoma City, OK – The city of Oklahoma City has proposed a settlement of $875,000 to the family of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez, who was fatally shot by police officers nearly four years ago. The proposed settlement comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by Rodriguez’s mother, Cameo Holland, following the controversial events of November 23, 2020.
According to Oklahoma City Police, Rodriguez was attempting to rob an Okie Express convenience store at gunpoint when he was confronted by officers. Surveillance footage from the store shows Rodriguez climbing out of the drive-thru window while holding a gun. Moments later, he drops the firearm and reaches toward his pants before being shot 13 times by five police officers.
The incident, which was captured on video, sparked widespread outrage across the community and led to protests outside the Oklahoma City Police Department. Many in the metro area questioned the use of deadly force in the situation, particularly after the release of the autopsy report that confirmed Rodriguez was shot multiple times. His mother, Cameo Holland, expressed her grief and frustration, questioning why her son’s life was taken under circumstances she believes were unjust.
“There’s been statements that Stavian didn’t obey commands like drop his gun or raise his hands or drop his hands, which he all obeyed. What command did he not obey?” said Holland’s attorney, Rand Eddy. He suggested that the shooting was unnecessary and that Rodriguez had complied with the officers’ commands before being killed.
In 2021, five officers—Bethany Sears, Jared Barton, Corey Adams, John Skuta, and Brad Pemberton—were charged with First Degree Manslaughter by then-District Attorney David Prater. The charges against the officers, however, were dropped in 2023 by District Attorney Vicki Behenna, who cited the officers’ right to use deadly force in certain situations. In a press conference announcing the decision, Behenna remarked, “This decision that has been made is difficult. Police officers can use deadly force, and that force can be justified.”
The dismissal of the charges led to further anger and disillusionment among those who believed that the officers should have been held accountable for the death of a teenager. Holland herself voiced her frustration, saying, “I don’t understand why the Oklahoma City Police Department would need a conviction for them to lose their job. They did not need a conviction for my son to lose his life.”
Despite the legal challenges, the proposed settlement seeks to bring a resolution to the case. The settlement does not admit any wrongdoing by the city or its police department but offers a financial sum to the family in recognition of their loss. The offer remains subject to approval, and it is unclear whether it will bring closure to a case that has deeply divided the community.
As the legal and emotional battles continue, the case of Stavian Rodriguez has raised significant questions about police accountability and the use of force, issues that continue to resonate across the United States.
