Nationwide — Karen Henry, a 61-year-old African American woman from Chicago, Illinois, was killed in 2024 when a stolen car fleeing police crashed into her vehicle. Her family is now suing the city, claiming the police chase was reckless and unnecessary.
On November 20, 2024, Henry was driving on 60th Street near State Street on Chicago’s South Side. A car being chased by police slammed into her, causing fatal injuries. The car police pursued had been stolen nearby.
Henry’s mother, Bethel Branford, recently filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court. Her lawyers say the officers never asked for or received permission to start the chase, which is required by Chicago Police Department policy.
The chase ended with a violent crash involving Henry’s car and a CTA bus. Nearly a dozen people were injured. The family’s legal team says officers showed a “reckless disregard” for public safety and that the risk of the chase outweighed the need to catch the suspects.
Branford said losing her daughter was “completely devastating” and called for accountability to prevent future tragedies.
“Every day I remain completely devastated by the death of my beautiful daughter, and how senseless it was. This never, ever had to happen if the Chicago Police had used common sense to prioritize the safety of people in the community over a car chase,” said Branford, according to Fox 32 Chicago.
Attorney Antonio Romanucci also criticized the city for allowing high-speed chases through crowded areas. He said this case shows the need for stronger enforcement of safety protocols. The family hopes their lawsuit will lead to real change and prevent future tragedies.