Chicago ordered to pay nearly $80M to family of girl killed in crash

CHICAGO - The City of Chicago will pay nearly $80 million to a Chicago family for the death of their 10-year-old daughter.

Da'Karia Spicer was killed in a chain-reaction crash stemming from a police chase in September 2020 in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Her father and brother were also injured in the crash.

The city admitted liability for the crash last month. Da'Karia's family was seeking at least $100 million.

"Between proper police procedure and the eluding offenders being brought to justice, I think on a big picture that's something this family would greatly appreciate because then their daughter has not died in vain and, perhaps, we can prevent this from happening again," said attorney Patrick A. Salvi II.

Da'Karia was among family members in a Honda Accord when the vehicle was struck by a Mercedes that was traveling about 90 mph while being pursued by Chicago police, according to a lawsuit.

Officers saw the Mercedes cut through an alley but otherwise had no reasonable grounds to chase the vehicle, lawyers for the family alleged.

"We recognize fully that there are instances where the police must pursue. But that wasn’t the case here," Salvi said.

The crash occurred while Da'Karia's father was taking her to get a laptop for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The city is reviewing the verdict and has no further comment at this time," said Kristen Cabanban, spokesperson at the city's law department.

The Spicer family's attorneys say they're going after the city's insurance companies next, which they say failed their obligation to protect Chicago taxpayers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.