Lawsuit Filed After Woman Dies Following Police Encounter
A Roseville resident died in November 2024 after losing consciousness during an interaction with Sacramento police.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Nyota Koya, a 66-year-old woman, died on November 24, 2024, one week after losing consciousness during a police encounter in Sacramento. Her daughter has since filed a lawsuit seeking damages from the Sacramento Police Department.
Why it matters
The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns regarding police interactions and the subsequent transparency of internal disciplinary proceedings. It seeks accountability for the events that led to Koya's death.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Sacramento Police Department seeking damages related to the death of 66-year-old Nyota Koya. The department has not publicly confirmed if officer Matthew Sterling faced disciplinary action.
The players
Nyota Koya
She was a 66-year-old woman from Roseville who died following an interaction with law enforcement.
Matthew Sterling
He is the Sacramento police officer who was involved in the encounter with Koya on November 17, 2024.
Sacramento Police Department
This is the law enforcement agency currently facing a lawsuit regarding the death of Koya.
The details
Nyota Koya lost consciousness on the morning of November 17, 2024, during an encounter with Sacramento police officer Matthew Sterling. She never regained consciousness during the seven days prior to her death.
Timeline
November 17, 2024: Nyota Koya lost consciousness during a police encounter.
November 24, 2024: Nyota Koya died.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of litigation aimed at increasing transparency regarding the Sacramento Police Department's public transparency protocols. It reflects broader national trends where families challenge local agencies for clarity on officer conduct during fatal encounters.
Residents in the area may observe increased community focus on police oversight and accountability measures as the litigation progresses. The case underscores the legal avenues available for families seeking transparency following interaction-related fatalities.
The takeaway
This case emphasizes the importance of clear communication from municipal departments during investigations involving officer conduct. Families seeking legal recourse often rely on civil proceedings to uncover details that remain undisclosed by local agencies.
Further reading
Learn more about the Law Enforcement sector in Sacramento.
