In a significant move, the city of Cincinnati has reached a settlement worth over $1.4 million following the tragic 2015 police shooting of Quandavier Hicks, a Northside resident. This settlement comes more than a decade after the fatal incident, which left the family of the 22-year-old grieving and seeking justice.
The Fatal Incident
On June 9, 2015, Cincinnati police officers arrived at a Northside apartment to investigate a report of menacing. According to authorities, a caller had alleged that Hicks threatened to kill a couple after they accused him of stealing from their home. As the officers approached what they believed to be Hicks’ apartment, they entered without a warrant.
Officers Doris Scott, Justin Moore, and Benjamin Schneider were among those who responded. At the top of the stairs, the officers were met with a startling situation. A door opened, and Scott saw a rifle barrel pointed directly at her face.
Reports suggest that neither Officer Scott nor Moore recall identifying themselves as police. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in one officer grabbing the barrel of the rifle, while another shot Hicks in the chest. Tragically, Hicks died from his injuries.
A Legal Battle for Justice
Hicks’ death occurred less than a year after the highly publicized police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, sparking national outrage and ongoing conversations about police practices. Following the shooting, residents gathered at the scene, engaging in heated discussions with law enforcement officers. The incident left the community deeply shaken.
In 2016, Hicks’ family, led by his mother Erica Woods, filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that Cincinnati police had used excessive force and acted recklessly. The suit highlighted that police had failed to announce their presence or identify themselves as officers, further escalating the situation.
Settlement and Its Implications
The city’s decision to settle the lawsuit on January 13, 2026, was a significant turn of events. In a press release, Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long explained that the decision was made after balancing the legal and financial risks. She emphasized that this difficult choice was ultimately in the best interest of the city.
The settlement, amounting to $1,450,000, was approved by the City Council. While this resolution ends the legal proceedings, it does not include an admission of wrongdoing by the officers involved, and the city is released from any liability related to the case. Councilman Seth Walsh expressed support for the settlement, stating that he believed it was the right decision.
A History of Legal Setbacks
Hicks’ family faced numerous setbacks in their pursuit of justice. Their lawsuit was initially dismissed by a federal judge, but in 2020, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Cincinnati could be held liable for violating Hicks’ constitutional rights. The appeals court specifically denied the officers’ claim of qualified immunity, stating that their actions may have been unlawful. This ruling reignited hope for the family and sparked a renewed commitment to holding law enforcement accountable.
The case had been scheduled for trial in November 2025, but it didn’t reach that stage. Despite this, the family’s legal battle has shed light on the need for reform in law enforcement practices and highlighted the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions
How Police Brutality Center Can Help
If you or a loved one has been affected by police brutality or misconduct, the legal journey can be overwhelming. At Police Brutality Center, we specialize in fighting for victims’ rights and holding law enforcement accountable. Whether you’re dealing with a case of excessive force, unlawful entry, or any form of police misconduct, our experienced legal team is here to support you through every step of the process. Contact Police Brutality Center today for a consultation and let us help you.