Attorneys for Edward Bronstein’s young children said the settlement is the largest of its kind by the state of California.
California has agreed to pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of Edward Bronstein, a 38-year-old man who died in police custody in 2020. Bronstein’s death occurred after he was restrained by multiple California Highway Patrol officers while they attempted to take a blood sample. During the incident, Bronstein repeatedly screamed, “I can’t breathe,” echoing the tragic final words of other individuals who have died in police custody under similar circumstances.
The settlement, which is said to be the largest of its kind in California, was announced by attorneys representing Bronstein’s children. The agreement comes amid heightened awareness around the use of restraints in police procedures, following similar incidents in recent years. Notably, it is the second-largest such settlement nationally, after the $27 million paid by the city of Minneapolis following George Floyd’s death.
In March of 2023, seven California Highway Patrol officers and a nurse were charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Bronstein’s death. His tragic passing came less than two months before the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, another case in which the victim’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry in the fight against police violence and racial injustice.
The Los Angeles County coroner’s report concluded that Bronstein’s death was caused by “acute methamphetamine intoxication during restraint by law enforcement,” though it emphasized that his race was listed as white. His death occurred on March 31, 2020, after being taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence, at a highway patrol station in Altadena, California.
The death of Bronstein, who was restrained by officers while pleading for his life, parallels the deaths of other Black men like Eric Garner and Jordan Neely, both of whom were killed while in police custody or under restraint, sparking national outcry and protests against police brutality. Like these cases, Bronstein’s death underscores the dangers of excessive force and the need for systemic reforms in law enforcement.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, when announcing the charges earlier this year, condemned the actions of the officers involved, stating that they had “failed” Bronstein in a manner that was “criminally negligent,” ultimately causing his death. The case has further fueled the ongoing conversation surrounding the use of force in policing, particularly with regard to individuals who are detained or in custody.
With the settlement in place, Bronstein’s family will receive compensation, and the case remains a critical reminder of the consequences of excessive police actions. It also adds to the growing movement for justice and accountability in law enforcement, highlighting the need for continued scrutiny and reform.