Family Filed Lawsuit Over Fatal Detroit Eviction
The family of Sherman Lee Butler is suing the city and a bailiff following his death during a July 2024 eviction attempt.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The family of Sherman Lee Butler has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit and a bailiff regarding a fatal 2024 eviction. The legal action follows an incident where officials forced entry into Butler's apartment, leading to a fatal shooting.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that the fatal outcome could have been avoided if the defendants had waited for a crisis intervention unit. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the de-escalation protocols used by law enforcement during housing evictions.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office concluded its review in December 2024 and decided not to charge Bailiff Craig Gregory. The Detroit Police Board of Commissioners determined that officers Chancellor Ferrell and Jose Martinez violated departmental directives.
The players
Sherman Lee Butler
He was the individual who died during an encounter with law enforcement and a bailiff at his residence.
Craig Gregory
He is a bailiff employed by the 36th District Court who was involved in the fatal eviction.
Chancellor Ferrell
He is a Detroit police officer who participated in the door breach and was found to have violated department directives.
Jose Martinez
He is a corporal with the Detroit Police who participated in the door breach and was cited for failing to de-escalate the situation.
Detroit Police Board of Commissioners
This body oversees departmental policy and determined that officers involved in the incident violated established de-escalation protocols.
The details
Bailiff Craig Gregory requested police assistance at the apartment after noting Butler was agitated and suffering from mental illness. Despite this, officers breached the door, and after Taser deployments failed to subdue Butler, the bailiff fired multiple shots.
Timeline
July 12, 2024: Sherman Lee Butler was shot and killed.
December 2024: The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced it would not charge Bailiff Craig Gregory.
October 2026: The family filed a federal lawsuit regarding the fatal eviction.
Legal Context
This incident highlights the scrutiny placed on the Detroit Police Department's crisis intervention de-escalation directives during high-pressure encounters. It follows a growing pattern of litigation nationwide regarding the standard procedures used by law enforcement during civil evictions.
The findings by the police oversight board serve as a safety advisory for residents regarding current enforcement practices during housing disputes. The lawsuit signals potential changes to how future evictions are managed to prioritize de-escalation by the city.
The takeaway
The family is seeking accountability for alleged failures in handling a mental health crisis during an eviction. Residents should remain aware of their rights and the established protocols that local authorities are required to follow during civil enforcement actions.
Further reading
For more on how the department handles internal investigations, visit the Law Enforcement section.
