Jury Awards $5.4 Million for Deadly Police Chase

July 4, 2006 -- A Randolph County jury returned a $5,417,500 verdict in a wrongful death case against the City of Sparta.

The case, Don Cole Special Administrator of the Estate of Janet Cole v. City of Sparta and Misty Starr McPherson Randolph County, concluded today. The Coles resided in Ballwin, Illinois. Janet was a 58 year old registered nurse who worked at Redbud Hospital for many years.

Ms. Cole was killed when her car was struck by a Sparta police car driven by Officer Misty McPherson on August 11, 2004. The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 154 and Michael Road at 9:20 am when Ms. Cole was turning left on Michael Road headed towards Burnett's Peach stand.

Officer McPherson was driving 80 mph in a 45 mph zone when she collided with Ms. Cole’s car in the passing lane. McPherson’s lights were activated but her sirens were not.

Ms. Cole is survived by her husband Don, her two sons Randy, 39, Kenny, 37 and her 2 grandchildren Andrew and Kellian. Trial began on Monday June 26 and was completed on July 3, 2006. The jury deliberated for 2.5 hours after hearing closing arguments today.

Mr. Cole was represented by Charles Chapman, Partner at SLChapman LLC.

"Mr. Cole, his family and I are grateful for the jury's service and verdict. Hopefully this verdict will signal to police officials that senseless high speed chases will not be tolerated in Randolph County," Charles Chapman said.

Brad Lakin, Managing Partner said, “This is a great verdict for the Cole Family and Charlie Chapman. Court officials in Randolph County said it’s the largest verdict in the county’s history.”