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$2M Awarded In Wrongful Death Suit Against Police

CHICAGO (STMW) - A Cook County jury on Thursday awarded more than $2 million in a wrongful death suit against Chicago Police for failing to properly handle a domestic violence incident eight years ago that led to a man's death.

The jury deliberated for about 10 hours before rendering its verdict and awarding $2.133 million to the estate of Henry Fenton, according to a release from the Nemeroff Law Offices.

The jury awarded $1,425,000 for Fenton's wrongful death and $708,000 for the 5-10 seconds of conscious pain and suffering he felft prior to his death.

On March 4, 2002, Fenton was living in a home with his girlfriend, Valerie Brim and her son, Rovale Brim, at 11701 S. Racine Ave., according to the release. Fenton called police about 1:37 a.m. to report a domestic disturbance at his home. Two officers responded, spent 15-20 minutes at the home and left.

Fenton called police 28 minutes later to report another domestic disturbance involving Rovale Brim, according to the release. The same officers responded and escorted Rovale Brim onto the sidewalk in front of the home, where he said he would wait to be picked up by his girlfriend.

After a few minutes, Rovale Brim began walking away before his girlfriend arrived, according to the release. The police officers left the scene when he was half a block to a block away.

But Rovale Brim returned to the home within six minutes and tried to break in, according to the release. Fenton called police again, but by the time the officers arrived, the 56-year-old man had been stabbed and beaten with a claw hammer, which caused fatal wounds to his head.

Fenton died about 5-10 minutes later, according to the release. He is survived by three adult children.

Rovale Brim was arrested and convicted of second-degree murder.

A spokesperson for the city's law department was not immediately available for comment.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

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