Adams v. Murray et al

On February 18, 2025, San Jose police responded to a domestic disturbance call. Officer Jack Murray and other officers encountered Kevin Adams, an unarmed Black man, in his backyard. Within seconds, Murray fired multiple shots, killing Adams. The plaintiff, Sarah Adams, the victim’s mother, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Murray and the city, alleging excessive force, racial profiling, and failure to train. Body-camera footage was released, showing ambiguity over whether Adams was reaching for a weapon. An independent autopsy requested by the family revealed Adams was shot from behind, contradicting the official narrative. The city argued the officer perceived an imminent threat. Detective Maria Gonzalez led the investigation, and no criminal charges were filed, prompting the civil action. The case became a flashpoint in the national debate over police accountability and qualified immunity, with community protests demanding systemic reforms.

As of mid-2026, the case remains in pre-trial phase. The district court denied the defendants’ motion for summary judgment on qualified immunity in December 2025, allowing the claims to proceed. Settlement negotiations are ongoing.

The central dispute is whether Officer Murray’s use of deadly force was objectively reasonable, whether qualified immunity shields him from liability, and whether systemic racial bias and inadequate training contributed to the shooting.

The shooting ignited widespread protests in San Jose and across the country, fueling demands for police reform. It prompted a review of use-of-force policies by the San Jose Police Department and became a key example in congressional hearings examining qualified immunity. The case significantly influenced local elections and intensified the conversation around racial justice and law enforcement transparency.