Jury Deliberates in Lawsuit Over LAPD Officer's Training Death

The multimillion-dollar case alleges a department-wide conspiracy in the death of Officer Houston Tipping.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury is now deliberating a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over the death of LAPD Officer Houston Tipping during a training session in 2022. Tipping's family alleges that fellow officer David Cuellar intentionally attacked and killed Tipping, who had recently started an internal affairs investigation into Cuellar. The city is defending Cuellar and the LAPD, arguing that Tipping's injuries were accidental and resulted from CPR efforts to save him.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious allegations of a department-wide conspiracy and the high-stakes financial damages being sought by Tipping's family. The outcome could have major implications for police training protocols and accountability within the LAPD.

The details

Attorneys Mark Geragos and Brad Gage are representing the Tipping family, who say Cuellar volunteered to partner with Tipping for a grappling exercise during the training and then intentionally hit, kicked, and pile-drove him, resulting in broken ribs, a perforated liver, and a broken neck. However, LA City attorney Steven McGuire, representing Cuellar and the LAPD, cited testimony from five other officers who said Tipping actually picked up Cuellar and fell awkwardly on his own head. McGuire also argued that Tipping's broken ribs and liver injuries were caused by CPR efforts to save him.

  • The incident occurred during an LAPD training session in 2022.
  • The trial over Tipping's death began on Thursday, February 14, 2026.
  • The jury will resume deliberations on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, after the holiday.

The players

Houston Tipping

An LAPD officer who died during a training session in 2022.

David Cuellar

An LAPD officer who was involved in the training incident that led to Tipping's death.

Mark Geragos

An attorney representing the Tipping family in the multimillion-dollar lawsuit.

Brad Gage

An attorney representing the Tipping family in the multimillion-dollar lawsuit.

Steven McGuire

The LA City attorney representing Cuellar and the LAPD in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“(Cuellar) does a pile driver, paralyzing him, puts Houston in the hospital. Three days later he is brain dead.”

— Brad Gage, Attorney representing the Tipping family (abc7.com)

“It didn't come from the baton, being punched, kicked - we didn't see evidence of that. Clearly the broken ribs came from the CPR.”

— Steven McGuire, LA City Attorney (abc7.com)

What’s next

The jury will resume deliberations on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, after the holiday, to determine the outcome of the multimillion-dollar lawsuit.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has raised serious questions about police training protocols, accountability, and potential misconduct within the LAPD. The jury's decision could have far-reaching implications for the department and the city of Los Angeles.