Jacqueline Craig, the woman whose controversial arrest in Fort Worth sparked a national outcry over police brutality, has passed away at the age of 53, according to her family. Craig’s daughter confirmed that her mother had been ill and died in the hospital. The incident that brought Craig into the spotlight occurred in 2016 when a viral video captured Officer William Martin pushing Craig to the ground and subsequently arresting both her and her teenage daughter, who had filmed the encounter.
The arrest unfolded after Craig had called the police for assistance when a neighbor allegedly grabbed her 7-year-old son by the neck for dropping something on the sidewalk near the man’s home. The video of the incident sparked outrage and raised concerns about the use of force by law enforcement.
In 2018, a federal judge dismissed most of the claims against Officer Martin but did not grant him qualified immunity, which typically protects law enforcement from liability unless they clearly violate a law or constitutional right. However, the city of Fort Worth agreed to settle the matter by paying Jacqueline Craig $150,000. The settlement did not include an admission of fault by the city.
The news of Craig’s passing brings renewed attention to the issue of police brutality and raises questions about the progress made in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. While the settlement provided some resolution for the Craig family, it serves as a reminder of the broader concerns surrounding police conduct and the need for continued efforts to address these issues.
