Case: Cox v. City of Boston

1:22-cv-11009 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: June 27, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary, while we research the case.) The Plaintiff in this case is the estate of an individual who died of an opioid overdose while under the care of the Boston Police Department. The Plaintiff alleged that the defendants' inaction during the overdose constituted negligence, and a violation of the ADA. This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Andrew Eslich (2/15/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63550433/parties/cox-v-city-of-boston/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Arnold, Alexandra (Massachusetts)

Bartlett, Wrenne (Massachusetts)

Burlingame, Isabel (Massachusetts)

Franco, Nicholas R. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Dutcher, Katherine (Massachusetts)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:22-cv-11009

Complaint

Cox v. Boston Police Department

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Complaint
1

1:22-cv-11009

Complaint

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Complaint
28

1:22-cv-11009

Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendants Paul Michael Bertocchi and Catia Freire's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(B)(6)

Cox v. Boston Police Department

Oct. 28, 2022

Oct. 28, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
36

1:22-cv-11009

Memorandum and Order on Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

Cox v. Boston Police Department

Dec. 7, 2022

Dec. 7, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 17486595

36

1:22-cv-11009

Memorandum and Order on Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

Cox v. Boston Police Department

Dec. 7, 2022

Dec. 7, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 17486595

44

1:22-cv-11009

First Amended Complaint

Feb. 22, 2023

Feb. 22, 2023

Complaint
59

1:22-cv-11009

Second Amended Complaint

June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023

Complaint
78

1:22-cv-11009

Status Report

Oct. 13, 2023

Oct. 13, 2023

Pleading / Motion / Brief
104

1:22-cv-11009

Memorandum and Order on Defendants' Motions for Summary Judgment

May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

Order/Opinion

734 F.Supp.3d 173

185

1:22-cv-11009

Jury Verdict

Aug. 19, 2024

Aug. 19, 2024

Other

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63550433/cox-v-city-of-boston/

Last updated June 27, 2026, 6:34 a.m.

Docket for: Cox v. City of Boston
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 June 27, 2022

COMPLAINT against John/Jane Does Nos. 1-2, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Ismael Almeida, Boston Police Department, Catia Freire Filing fee: $ 402, receipt number AMADC-9385489 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Civil Category Sheet)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/27/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

2 Civil Category Sheet

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 June 27, 2022

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Richard G. Stearns assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/27/2022)

RECAP
3 June 27, 2022

Summons Issued as to Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Boston Police Department, Catia Freire, John/Jane Does Nos. 1-2. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Dore, Samantha) (Entered: 06/27/2022)

RECAP
June 27, 2022

Notice of Case Assignment

4 June 28, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Alexandra D. Valenti Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9388624 by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certificate of Alexandra D. Valenti)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

RECAP
5 June 28, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christine Armellino Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9388656 by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certificate of Christine Armellino)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

RECAP
6 June 28, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Gabriella Montes Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9388680 by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certificate of Gabriella Montes)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

RECAP
7 June 28, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Matthew Ginther Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9388690 by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certificate of Matthew Ginther)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

RECAP
8 June 28, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Wrenne Bartlett Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9388708 by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certificate of Wrenne Bartlett)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

RECAP
9 June 29, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Alexandra D. Valenti. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

RECAP
10 June 29, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Christine Armellino. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

RECAP
11 June 29, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 6 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Gabriella Montes. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

RECAP
12 June 29, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Matthew Ginther. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

RECAP
13 June 29, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Wrenne Bartlett. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

RECAP
June 29, 2022

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

14 June 30, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Jessie J. Rossman on behalf of Lynnel Cox (Rossman, Jessie) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

RECAP
15 June 30, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Matthew Segal on behalf of Lynnel Cox (Segal, Matthew) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

RECAP
16 July 13, 2022

SUMMONS Returned Executed Catia Freire served on 7/12/2022, answer due 8/2/2022. (Valenti, Alexandra) (Entered: 07/13/2022)

RECAP
17 July 13, 2022

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Lynnel Cox. Boston Police Department waiver sent on 7/12/2022, answer due 9/12/2022. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 07/13/2022)

RECAP
18 Aug. 1, 2022

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Lynnel Cox. Paul Michael Bertocchi waiver sent on 8/1/2022, answer due 9/30/2022. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 08/01/2022)

RECAP
19 Aug. 4, 2022

SUMMONS Returned Executed Ismael Almeida served on 8/3/2022, answer due 8/24/2022. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 08/04/2022)

RECAP
20 Aug. 26, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Randall F. Maas on behalf of Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Boston Police Department, Catia Freire (Maas, Randall) (Entered: 08/26/2022)

RECAP
21 Aug. 31, 2022

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to September 30, 2022 to File Answer re 1 Complaint, or Otherwise Respond to the Complaint by Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Boston Police Department, Catia Freire.(Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 08/31/2022)

RECAP
22 Sept. 1, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to September 30, 2022 to File Answer re 1 Complaint, or Otherwise Respond to the Complaint - All Defendants. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 09/01/2022)

RECAP
Sept. 1, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

23 Sept. 23, 2022

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response to Plaintiff's Complaint by Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Boston Police Department, Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 09/23/2022)

RECAP
24 Sept. 24, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 23 Motion for Extension of Time to respond to the Complaint until October 28, 2022. The court notes that the response is now due more than five months after the filing of the Complaint. There will be no further extensions. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 09/24/2022)

RECAP
Sept. 24, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

25 Oct. 28, 2022

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by Boston Police Department.(Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

RECAP
26 Oct. 28, 2022

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by Ismael Almeida.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

RECAP
27 Oct. 28, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

RECAP
28 Oct. 28, 2022

MEMORANDUM in Support re 27 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

Clearinghouse
29 Oct. 31, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Defendants Boston Police Department and Ismael Almeida having filed Answers, the court, enters the following pretrial schedule. While aware of Officers Bertocchi and Freires motion to dismiss, as all defendants are represented by the same counsel, the court sees no detriment to any party in commencing discovery in this case.Initial disclosures required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1) must be completed by 12/2/22. All amendments to the pleadings and/or joinder of additional parties shall be completed by 1/6/23. The court will permit 30 interrogatories, 30 requests for admissions and 30 document requests without leave of court and expects those requests to be filed with the opposition within 30 days of the initial disclosures. If the parties would like to participate in the court's mediation program, they must notify our docket clerk Arnold Pacho (617-748-9812) by 5/17/23 (it may take several weeks to get a mediation date). All fact discovery must be completed no later than 6/9/23. Dispositive Motions, if any, are due by 7/7/23, with Oppositions to dispositive motions due 7/28/23; Reply, if any, by leave of court. If a party intends to utilize an expert, they must file a notice on the docket no later than 5/12/23, in order for the court to consider whether an expert is appropriate and, if so, to alter the existing schedule. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 10/31/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 31, 2022

Order

30 Nov. 8, 2022

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to November 22, 2022 to File Response/Reply as to 27 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 11/08/2022)

RECAP
31 Nov. 9, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 30 Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to November 22, 2022 to File Response/Reply as to 27 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 11/09/2022)

RECAP
Nov. 9, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

32 Nov. 22, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Alexandra Arnold on behalf of Lynnel Cox (Arnold, Alexandra) (Entered: 11/22/2022)

RECAP
33 Nov. 22, 2022

Opposition re 27 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Lynnel Cox. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 11/22/2022)

RECAP
34 Dec. 1, 2022

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed] Amended Scheduling Order)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 12/01/2022)

1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed] Amended Scheduling Order

View on PACER

RECAP
35 Dec. 1, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered allowing in part 34 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. Given the issues raised and the accompanying discovery needs in this case, the court will allow the extension of several deadlines previously identified in its 29 pretrial schedule order. However, the parties propose several deadlines that the court will not recognize. The amended pretrial schedule is as follows: Initial disclosures required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1) must be completed by 12/2/22. All amendments to the pleadings and/or joinder of additional parties shall be completed by 5/2/23. The court will permit 30 interrogatories, 30 requests for admissions and 30 document requests without leave of court and expects those requests to be filed with the opposition within 30 days of the initial disclosures. If the parties would like to participate in the court's mediation program, they must notify our docket clerk Arnold Pacho (617-748-9812) by 7/21/23 (it may take several weeks to get a mediation date). All fact discovery must be completed no later than 8/4/23. Plaintiff must designate its experts by 9/1/2023 and defendants must designate their experts by 9/29/2023. Expert discovery must be completed by 10/27/23. Dispositive motions, if any, are due by 11/17/23, with Oppositions to dispositive motions due 12/8/23; Reply, if any, by leave of court. (RGS, law1) (Entered: 12/01/2022)

RECAP
Dec. 1, 2022

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

36 Dec. 7, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ORDER entered denying 27 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. (RGS, law1) (Entered: 12/07/2022)

Clearinghouse
37 Dec. 20, 2022

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to January 4, 2023 to File Answer by Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 12/20/2022)

RECAP
38 Dec. 20, 2022

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 37 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. Bertocchi and Freire will file an answer to the Complaint by January 4, 2023. (RGS, law1) (Entered: 12/20/2022)

RECAP
Dec. 20, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

39 Jan. 4, 2023

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 01/04/2023)

RECAP
40 Jan. 4, 2023

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by Paul Michael Bertocchi.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 01/04/2023)

RECAP
41 Feb. 21, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 02/21/2023)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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RECAP
42 Feb. 21, 2023

DECLARATION re 41 MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 02/21/2023)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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RECAP
43 Feb. 22, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 41 Motion for Leave to File Document. Counsel shall file the First Amended Complaint as a separate docket entry within one (1) day of this Order. (RGS, law3) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

RECAP
44 Feb. 22, 2023

AMENDED COMPLAINT [First Amended Complaint] against John/Jane Does Nos. 1-2, Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire, David Marshall, City of Boston, filed by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

Clearinghouse
Feb. 22, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

45 Feb. 23, 2023

Summons Issued as to the City of Boston, David Marshall. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 02/23/2023)

RECAP
46 March 7, 2023

Joint MOTION for Protective Order by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed] Protective Order)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed] Protective Order

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RECAP
47 March 8, 2023

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by City of Boston.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

RECAP
48 March 8, 2023

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by Paul Michael Bertocchi.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

RECAP
49 March 8, 2023

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

RECAP
50 March 8, 2023

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by Ismael Almeida.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

RECAP
51 March 13, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 46 Joint MOTION for Protective Order. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 03/13/2023)

RECAP
52 March 13, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ORDER entered. Protective Order. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 03/13/2023)

RECAP
March 13, 2023

Order on Motion for Protective Order

53 March 16, 2023

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Lynnel Cox. David Marshall waiver sent on 2/23/2023, answer due 4/24/2023. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 03/16/2023)

RECAP
54 March 24, 2023

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by Matthew Segal (Segal, Matthew) (Entered: 03/24/2023)

RECAP
55 April 24, 2023

ANSWER to 44 Amended Complaint by David Marshall.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 04/24/2023)

RECAP
56 June 9, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File a Second Amended Complaint by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E)(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/09/2023)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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RECAP
57 June 23, 2023

Opposition re 56 MOTION for Leave to File a Second Amended Complaint filed by City of Boston. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Initial Disclosures, # 2 Exhibit B - Answers to Interrogatories)(Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 06/23/2023)

1 Exhibit A - Initial Disclosures

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2 Exhibit B - Answers to Interrogatories

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RECAP
58 June 28, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The court will ALLOW plaintiff Lynnel Cox's motion for leave to file a second amended complaint. While the May 2, 2023 deadline to amend pleadings has passed, this merely changes the movant's burden from "freely given" to establishing "good cause." TransSpec Truck Serv. v. Caterpillar Inc., 524 F.3d 315, 327 (1st Cir. 2008); Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b)(4) (providing that a schedule may be modified "for good cause and with the judge's consent").The City of Boston opposes the amendment asserting that Cox is delinquent in filing the motion; the City argues that Cox has been aware of Sergeant Taxter's mistaken identification of Officer Marshall (instead of Officer Picarello) in multiple Boston Police Department reports (some produced by the City as recently as March 23, 2023). However, it is inevident from the briefing that the City explicitly told Cox that the reports' identification was erroneous until after the deadline for amendments had passed. The City provided interrogatory responses on March 24, 2023 and documents produced on December 2, 2022 that conflicted with the reports' accounts. From these contradictory sources of information, it appears that the City expected Cox to infer that the reports were incorrect, before confirming this at their May 15, 2023 meet and confer. The conflicting information provided to Cox is sufficient good cause and a source of excusable neglect to warrant a second amendment to add Officer Picarello as a defendant. Defendants will have an opportunity through discovery and motions practice to confirm that either Officer Picarello or Officer Marshall is an improper defendant and should be dismissed. However, at this stage of litigation, which officer is the proper defendant is insufficiently established to dismiss one or the other. Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (RGS, law1) (Entered: 06/28/2023)

RECAP
59 June 28, 2023

AMENDED COMPLAINT Second Amended Complaint against John/Jane Does Nos. 1-2, David Marshall, Ismael Almeida, Boston Police Department, City of Boston, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire, filed by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 06/28/2023)

Clearinghouse
June 28, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

60 July 5, 2023

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to September 29, 2023 to Complete Discovery by Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, City of Boston, Catia Freire, David Marshall.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/05/2023)

RECAP
61 July 7, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 60 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery. The court will permit the parties' joint request to extend the fact discovery deadline by eight weeks in light of the added defendant. The parties include additional extensions in the pretrial schedule with no additional justification, so those proposed changes are denied. The court also does not see the need for rebuttal experts at this time. If, after defendants designate experts, plaintiff believes rebuttal experts are required, she may file a motion by 12/1/2023 specifying why, under Fed. R. Evid. 702, someone other than her original experts is needed and on what topic for the court to determine whether it is necessary.The amended pretrial schedule is as follows: The court will permit 30 interrogatories, 30 requests for admissions and 30 document requests without leave of court and expects those requests to be filed with the opposition within 30 days of the initial disclosures. If the parties would like to participate in the court's mediation program, they must notify our docket clerk Arnold Pacho (617-748-9812) by 7/21/23 (it may take several weeks to get a mediation date). All fact discovery must be completed no later than 9/29/23.Plaintiff must designate its experts by 10/27/2023 and defendants must designate their experts by 11/24/2023. Expert discovery must be completed by 12/22/23.Dispositive motions, if any, are due by 1/19/24, with Oppositions to dispositive motions due 2/9/24; Reply, if any, by leave of court. (RGS, law1) (Entered: 07/07/2023)

RECAP
July 7, 2023

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery

62 July 12, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by David Marshall.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

RECAP
63 July 12, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by Ismael Almeida.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

RECAP
64 July 12, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by City of Boston.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

RECAP
65 July 12, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by Paul Michael Bertocchi.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

RECAP
66 July 12, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by Catia Freire.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

RECAP
67 July 25, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Adriana Lafaille on behalf of Lynnel Cox (Lafaille, Adriana) (Entered: 07/25/2023)

RECAP
68 Aug. 18, 2023

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Lynnel Cox. Brian Picarello waiver sent on 6/28/2023, answer due 8/28/2023. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 08/18/2023)

RECAP
69 Aug. 28, 2023

ANSWER to 59 Amended Complaint by Brian Picarello.(Maas, Randall) (Entered: 08/28/2023)

RECAP
70 Sept. 19, 2023

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to November 3, 2023 to to Complete Discovery by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 09/19/2023)

RECAP
71 Sept. 19, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 70 Motion for Extension of Time. While the court appreciates the gravity of this case, the court previously granted what is for this session a very lengthy discovery extension of eight weeks. The parties purported justification that they have been unable to schedule Rule 30(b)(6) depositions of the City and the deposition of one defendant does not explain why the parties need five additional weeks of fact discovery. Nevertheless, the court will allow one final extension of fact discovery by four weeks. We expect no further extensions to the pretrial schedule. The amended pretrial schedule is as follows: The court will permit 30 interrogatories, 30 requests for admission and 30 document requests without leave of court and expects those requests to be filed within 30 days of the initial disclosures. If the parties would like to participate in the courts mediation program, they must notify our docket clerk Arnold Pacho (617-748-9812) by October 3, 2023 (it may take several weeks to get a mediation date). All fact discovery must be completed no later than October 27, 2023. Plaintiff must designate her experts by November 24, 2023 and defendants must designate their experts by December 22, 2023. Expert discovery must be completed by January 19, 2024. Dispositive motions, if any, are due by February 16, 2024, with Oppositions to dispositive motions due by March 8, 2024. Reply, if any, by leave of court. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 09/19/2023)

RECAP
Sept. 19, 2023

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

72 Sept. 22, 2023

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by Alexandra Arnold (Arnold, Alexandra) (Entered: 09/22/2023)

RECAP
73 Oct. 10, 2023

MOTION to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 10/10/2023)

RECAP
74 Oct. 10, 2023

MEMORANDUM in Support re 73 MOTION to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston filed by Lynnel Cox. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 10/10/2023)

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75 Oct. 10, 2023

DECLARATION re 73 MOTION to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston - Declaration of Alexandra Valenti in Support of Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston by Lynnel Cox. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S)(Valenti, Alexandra) (Entered: 10/10/2023)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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6 Exhibit F

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7 Exhibit G

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8 Exhibit H

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9 Exhibit I

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10 Exhibit J

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11 Exhibit K

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12 Exhibit L

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13 Exhibit M

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14 Exhibit N

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15 Exhibit O

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16 Exhibit P

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17 Exhibit Q

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18 Exhibit R

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19 Exhibit S

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76 Oct. 10, 2023

MOTION to Expedite Briefing Schedule for Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston (ECF 73) by Lynnel Cox.(Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 10/10/2023)

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77 Oct. 11, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 76 Motion to Expedite.The court is concerned by Cox's representation that the parties have yet to schedule a Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of the City noticed more than four months ago and the City has yet to produce documents responsive to requests propounded more than nine months ago. Given the imminent fact discovery deadline, the City will file its opposition, if any, to Cox's Motion to Compel by 12:00pm on October 16, 2023. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 10/11/2023)

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Oct. 11, 2023

Order on Motion to Expedite

78 Oct. 13, 2023

STATUS REPORT by Lynnel Cox. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 10/13/2023)

Clearinghouse
79 Oct. 16, 2023

RESPONSE to Motion re 73 MOTION to Compel Outstanding Discovery of Defendant City of Boston filed by City of Boston. (Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 10/16/2023)

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80 Oct. 16, 2023

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 73 Motion to Compel. The court will ALLOW Cox's motion to compel. In the parties' second request for an extension of time to complete discovery -- filed nearly one month ago -- the parties cited an inability to schedule a Rule 30(b)(6) deposition as one of two reasons for needing additional time. The court made clear in its order granting this extension that it did not expect further extensions to the pretrial schedule. The court has now learned that Cox served the 30(b)(6) deposition notice nearly five months ago, in May of 2023. Dkt. # 74 at 2. As of the time of its filing today, the City has still failed to designate a witness to testify about one of the 30(b)(6) topics. The City provides no reason for this failure but simply states it "will identify a member of the Homicide Unit to testify." Dkt. # 79 at 3.Cox has been very flexible in attempting to finalize fact discovery in this case. For example, she has accepted documents and testimony of witnesses in their individual capacities in lieu of 30(b)(6) testimony on certain topics. Dkt. # 74 at 2, 5-6. Cox also followed up with the City about outstanding document requests propounded in January at least six times and about the outstanding deposition topics at least four times before filing her motion. Id. at 3-4. In response, the City stated that it was "investigat[ing]" whether responsive documents were in its possession, custody, and control, but it did not produce the documents until after Cox filed her motion to compel. Id. The 30(b)(6) deposition of the City went unscheduled for months. Id. The court is encouraged that the parties appear to be working to determine whether any additional documents remain outstanding and that the City has designated additional witnesses to testify about some of the outstanding 30(b)(6) topics. But there are only nine business days left of fact discovery. The City will designate its Rule 30(b)(6) deponent from the Homicide Unit by Friday, October 20. The City will produce the witness for deposition and complete what is left of its document productions on or before Friday, October 27. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 10/16/2023)

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Oct. 16, 2023

Order on Motion to Compel

81 Oct. 17, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Isabel Burlingame on behalf of Lynnel Cox (Burlingame, Isabel) (Entered: 10/17/2023)

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82 Oct. 26, 2023

STIPULATION of Dismissal as to Defendant David Marshall by Lynnel Cox. (Frederickson, Robert) (Entered: 10/26/2023)

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83 Nov. 10, 2023

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by Wrenne Bartlett (Bartlett, Wrenne) (Entered: 11/10/2023)

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84 Feb. 16, 2024

MOTION for Summary Judgment by Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire, Brian Picarello.(Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

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85 Feb. 16, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Support re 84 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Ismael Almeida, Paul Michael Bertocchi, Catia Freire, Brian Picarello. (Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Policing

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 27, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The administrator of the estate of an arrestee who died while in the custody of police

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

City

City of Boston

Private Entity/Person

Officers of the Boston Police Department

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:22-cv-11009

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Recommended Citation