Settlement Talks Underway Between OKC and Family of Man Who Died in 2020

Dawawn McCoy died after police encounter at hotel in 2020, leading to federal lawsuit against city

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A settlement hearing took place in federal court on Tuesday involving the City of Oklahoma City and the family of Dawawn McCoy, who died in 2020 after spending six days in the hospital following a police encounter at a hotel. The legal process began between the city and McCoy's family after his death, and a federal judge recently denied motions by the officers and city to dismiss the case. Now, the parties have asked for a settlement conference, though it's unclear if an agreement was reached.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities over use of force, especially in situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. The outcome could set precedents around police accountability and training, as well as impact policies around arrests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The details

On March 27, 2020, a hotel security guard called 911 around 1:25 a.m., saying McCoy was refusing to leave a guest's room and seemed high. The guard also said McCoy claimed he couldn't walk. At the time, Oklahoma County was not jailing individuals for minor crimes due to COVID-19 protocols. Officers were advised by a lieutenant to get the guard to sign a citation for McCoy's alleged trespassing and then arrest him before escorting him off the property. Body camera video shows a period of roughly a minute-and-a-half where McCoy stopped resisting and was face down with an officer's knee in his back, while another officer pressed his bent legs against his buttocks. McCoy was then rushed to the hospital, where he died six days later.

  • On March 27, 2020, a hotel security guard called 911 around 1:25 a.m.
  • In November 2023, a federal judge denied the officers' motion for summary judgment on an excessive force claim and the city's motion to dismiss liability.
  • The settlement hearing took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Dawawn McCoy

A man who died in 2020 after a police encounter at a hotel.

LaQuita Brunson

The mother of McCoy's children, who initiated the legal process against the City of Oklahoma City after his death.

City of Oklahoma City

The defendant in the federal lawsuit filed by McCoy's family.

Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD)

The law enforcement agency involved in the encounter with McCoy.

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What’s next

It's unclear if a settlement was reached during the hearing on Tuesday. The family's attorneys are expected to provide more information on the next steps in the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement practices with the rights and safety of individuals, especially those experiencing mental health crises. The outcome of the settlement talks could have significant implications for police accountability and training, as well as policies around arrests during public health emergencies.