Family Filed $150 Million Lawsuit Over Fatal Shooting
A lawsuit alleges civil rights violations in the 2024 death of Sherman Lee Butler during an eviction in Detroit.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Velma Wafer has filed a $150 million lawsuit against the City of Detroit and the 36th District Court. The complaint alleges excessive force and civil rights violations occurred during a July 2024 eviction incident that left 44-year-old Sherman Lee Butler dead.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on claims that authorities failed to wait for a requested crisis intervention team during the eviction. This action highlights ongoing public scrutiny regarding police protocols and the use of force during court-ordered apartment entries.
A $150 million civil lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on October 9, 2026. This follows a December 2024 conclusion by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office that the involved bailiff acted in self-defense.
The players
Velma Wafer
She is the plaintiff who filed the $150 million lawsuit regarding the death of Sherman Lee Butler.
Sherman Lee Butler
He was the 44-year-old individual who died following an eviction incident on Manderson Road.
City of Detroit
It is a municipal government entity named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
36th District Court
It is the judicial body named as a defendant in the civil rights lawsuit.
Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
It is the agency that previously concluded the bailiff acted in self-defense in December 2024.
The details
The incident occurred on Manderson Road when a court bailiff broke a lock to force entry into an apartment. Although authorities deployed Tasers and issued commands, the encounter escalated into a shooting that resulted in the death of Sherman Lee Butler.
Timeline
July 12, 2024: Sherman Lee Butler was shot and killed during an eviction.
September 2024: Activists demanded the release of bodycam footage.
December 2024: The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office concluded the bailiff acted in self-defense and police released footage.
October 9, 2026: The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court.
Legal Context
This civil litigation challenges the 2024 Wayne County Prosecutor's Office finding of self-defense which previously cleared the bailiff of criminal charges. The case mirrors broader trends where civil courts serve as the primary venue for disputes after prosecutors decline criminal indictments.
Residents may see continued legal proceedings and potential policy reviews regarding how bailiffs and law enforcement conduct evictions. This case may prompt local officials to implement new security or crisis intervention requirements for court-ordered residential entries.
The takeaway
This case emphasizes the complex intersection between court-ordered evictions and the use of force by bailiffs. Families involved in similar disputes are increasingly turning to civil courts to seek accountability when criminal investigations do not result in charges.
Further reading
For more on how the legal system processes these incidents, visit Criminal Justice.
