McCoy v. Headly et al

On March 27, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Baton Rouge Police Officer Paul Headly violently arrested Jaden McCoy during a traffic stop for an alleged window tint violation. Body camera footage captured Headly slamming McCoy to the ground and repeatedly punching him while McCoy was handcuffed and not resisting. McCoy sustained severe facial fractures requiring surgery. McCoy filed a federal civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Headly and the Baton Rouge Police Department, alleging excessive force, unlawful arrest, and deliberate indifference. The incident sparked immediate public outrage after the footage was released, leading to local protests demanding police accountability and an end to qualified immunity.

A federal grand jury indicted Officer Paul Headly on charges of deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records. As of mid-2026, the civil lawsuit remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, with motions for summary judgment on qualified immunity grounds yet to be decided.

Whether Officer Paul Headly used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and whether he is entitled to qualified immunity. The dispute also focused on the Baton Rouge Police Department's policies and training regarding use of force and de-escalation techniques.

The release of body camera footage ignited widespread protests across Louisiana and renewed national debate on police reform and qualified immunity. The case intensified calls for a federal consent decree over the Baton Rouge Police Department, which has a documented history of excessive force complaints. Community organizations used the incident to successfully advocate for the creation of a civilian review board with subpoena power, marking a significant shift in local police oversight policy.