Seven of the 13 Black women assaulted by former Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Holtzclaw are moving forward with a civil lawsuit that seeks $750,000 in damages.
The Associated Press reports that a team of attorneys filed a motion to lift a stay that had kept the women from moving forward with their lawsuit, which accuses the city of negligence in its hiring and supervision of Holtzclaw. A judge has not responded to the women’s request.
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Over the course of multiple months, 13 Black women came forward accusing the 29-year-old former officer of rape and sexual assault. Last week, a jury found Holtzclaw guilty on 18 of the 36 charges against him and recommended 263 years in prison. Final sentencing will take place next month.
An Oklahoma City sheriff told a local news station that Holtzclaw is being held at the Oklahoma City Jail and is on suicide watch.
