Antioch, California – The family of Angelo Quinto, a Navy veteran who tragically passed away in 2020 after being restrained by police during a mental health crisis, has reached a settlement in their federal lawsuit against the city of Antioch. The settlement, totaling $7.5 million, comes after prosecutors declined to press charges against the officers involved in Quinto’s death, which occurred just months after the murder of George Floyd.
The lawsuit, brought forth by Quinto’s mother Maria Cassandra Quinto-Collins and his sister Isabella Collins, alleged that the 30-year-old veteran died from asphyxiation due to the “prone restraint” method used by Antioch Police Officers in December 2020. The family’s legal action shed light on the circumstances leading up to Quinto’s tragic death, revealing details of a mental health crisis that ultimately ended in a fatal encounter with law enforcement.
According to the lawsuit, police officers responded to a call from Quinto’s sister reporting that he was exhibiting aggressive behavior and threatening his family in their home. Quinto, who was known to be fearful of police and had no significant criminal history, expressed his fear of being left alone that night. When officers arrived on the scene, Quinto’s fears were tragically realized as the situation escalated, leading to his untimely death.
Despite the family’s claims of excessive force and negligence on the part of the officers, prosecutors determined that the police acted lawfully and reasonably under the circumstances. Their investigation revealed conflicting medical opinions regarding the cause of Quinto’s death, with an independent autopsy commissioned by the family pointing to restraint asphyxiation as the primary factor.
The $7.5 million settlement reached by Quinto’s family serves as a form of justice and closure for their loss, highlighting the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding police conduct, particularly in cases involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. The tragic events leading to Angelo Quinto’s death have sparked important conversations about the need for improved training and protocols for law enforcement officers when responding to mental health emergencies.
As the Quinto family continues to mourn the loss of their loved one, the settlement represents a step towards accountability and reform within the criminal justice system. The legacy of Angelo Quinto serves as a reminder of the need to address issues of police brutality and systemic racism, ensuring that no family has to endure the pain and loss experienced by his loved ones.