Albany County has paid $1.2 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2018 shooting of Robert Ramirez by a sheriff’s deputy. The confidential settlement, obtained by WyoFile after a prolonged legal battle, reveals the payment made to Ramirez’s mother, Debra Hinkel. The incident involved then-Albany County Sheriff’s Deputy Derek Colling, who shot the unarmed Ramirez twice in the back during a routine traffic stop. The county’s agreement also includes a commitment to mental health training for deputies.
$1.2 Million Settlement and Mental Health Commitment
After a protracted legal fight by WyoFile, the previously confidential settlement agreement has been released. Albany County initially cited potential harm to the public as grounds for withholding public documents during the legal proceedings.
The lawsuit was brought by Debra Hinkel, the mother of Robert Ramirez, who was fatally shot by Deputy Derek Colling in 2018. Ramirez, a 39-year-old Laramie resident living with mental illness, was unarmed when the incident occurred during a minor traffic stop.
The settlement outlines the county’s payment of $1.2 million and includes a soft commitment to mental health intervention training for deputies. This commitment aims to enhance law enforcement responses to mental health crises.
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Legal Maneuvers and Public Disclosure
WyoFile’s initial public records request for the settlement was denied by Albany County, citing privilege or confidentiality. A subsequent legal battle ensued, culminating in the release of the settlement after almost two years.
Advocates, including Rep. Karlee Provenza, have expressed relief at the settlement’s disclosure but questioned the delays and the need for prolonged legal battles for transparency. Provenza founded Albany County for Proper Policing following Ramirez’s shooting.
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