Jury Awards $8.3M to Foster Teen's Family After Death at Juvenile Intake Center

Jurors found five juvenile officers in Sedgwick County used excessive force or failed to intervene in the 2021 death of Cedric 'C.J.' Lofton.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A federal jury has awarded $8.3 million to the family of a Kansas foster teen who died in 2021 after being held facedown for 39 minutes in a juvenile intake center while in the midst of a mental health crisis. The jury found five juvenile officers either used excessive force on Cedric 'C.J.' Lofton or failed to intervene, rejecting arguments that his death stemmed from 'excited delirium', a controversial diagnosis often used to justify police use of force.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of excessive force and improper restraint techniques by law enforcement and juvenile detention staff, especially when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The jury's rejection of the 'excited delirium' defense is seen as an important step in challenging this controversial diagnosis that has been used to justify police brutality.

The details

Lofton, a 17-year-old foster teen, died in the hospital on September 26, 2021, just one day before his 18th birthday. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, but the district attorney said the state's 'stand-your-ground' law prevented him from pursuing involuntary manslaughter charges against the staff members, who claimed they were protecting themselves. The jury found the five juvenile officers liable for using excessive force or failing to intervene.

  • Lofton died in the hospital on September 26, 2021, one day before his 18th birthday.
  • The jury reached its $8.3 million verdict on February 5, 2026.

The players

Cedric 'C.J.' Lofton

A 17-year-old Kansas foster teen who died in 2021 after being held facedown for 39 minutes in a juvenile intake center while experiencing a mental health crisis.

John Marrese

An attorney representing Lofton's brother and estate.

Marc Bennett

The Sedgwick County district attorney who said the state's 'stand-your-ground' law prevented him from pursuing involuntary manslaughter charges against the staff members.

Sedgwick County

The county that employed the five juvenile officers named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good development in the world of prolonged prone restraint in terms of a jury acknowledging how dangerous it is and the fact that it can be fatal.”

— John Marrese, Attorney for Lofton's brother and estate (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Sedgwick County officials said they are reviewing the verdict and discussing next steps.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for reform in how law enforcement and juvenile detention staff handle individuals experiencing mental health crises, with the jury's rejection of the 'excited delirium' defense seen as an important step in challenging this controversial diagnosis that has been used to justify excessive use of force.