LOVELAND, Colo. — A woman with dementia whose violent arrest resulted in jail time for two Loveland Police officers has died, her family said Wednesday.
Karen Garner was 76. Her family said she died of complications from dementia.
Garner was arrested while walking home along Mountain Lion Road in June 2020. She had just come from a nearby Walmart where she attempted to leave without paying for about $14 worth of items, according to a federal civil rights lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleged that Garner was forcibly pushed to the ground, and that during the arrest she suffered multiple injuries. Those injuries included a dislocated shoulder, a broken arm and a sprained wrist.
> Video above: Loveland Police admits to "egregious mistakes" upon arresting 73-year-old woman with dementia
The 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office said that Garner's misdemeanor case was dismissed.
Officers Austin Hopp, Daria Jalali and community service officer Tyler Blackett resigned after the incident came to light.
Hopp pleaded guilty to a single charge of second-degree assault and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Jalali pleaded guilty to failing to intervene and was sentenced to 45 days in jail followed by three years of probation.
Garner's family settled their civil lawsuit against the City of Loveland in September 2021 for $3 million. At the time they said the funds would help pay for 24/7 care of Garner as her health declined.
Garner's daughter-in-law, Shannon Steward, released the following statement:
I’m writing to inform you that Karen Garner passed away Monday, November 27th at the age of 76 from complications from Demetia. Her family was able to be by her side to say goodbye and she passed peacefully in her sleep. On behalf of her three children and nine grandchildren, we want to thank each and every one of those you who fought for justice for her or just sent thoughts and prayers on her behalf.
Over the years, we’ve seen the tragedy of the Karen Garner case bring citizens of Loveland to call for justice and accountability in their community, including inspiring individuals to get more involved in their local government. The example of Rey Mendoza to always speak out against injustice, no matter the cost will always be remembered. City of Loveland and Larimer County representatives have personally told us that the case has served as a catalyst for change in responding and reporting procedures. We found that although social media can be a forum for negativity, it afforded us love and support from people around the world. Our hope is that these ripples continue.
Our family will be attending a parole hearing for Austin Hopp on January 9, 2024, to protest his release after only serving two and a half years of his five-year maximum sentence for the assault and reprehensible behavior towards Karen. At this time, we ask that Karen not be remembered as the “old lady who was beat up by a cop” but as a vibrant, creative woman who loved life and enjoyed the simplicity of taking a walk and picking wildflowers.
Always choose kindness first.
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