Winborn v. City of Leeds, Alabama, et al

On April 6, 2026, Marcus Winborn filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Leeds, Alabama, and officers David Harper and Maria Sanchez. The complaint arose from a traffic stop during which Winborn, an unarmed Black motorist, was forcibly removed from his vehicle and subjected to a physical altercation, resulting in a fractured orbital bone and psychological trauma. Winborn alleged the officers used excessive force and fabricated charges to justify the arrest. Body-worn camera footage was partially obstructed or missing. The lawsuit invoked Section 1983, claiming violations of the Fourth Amendment. The case drew immediate national attention amid ongoing scrutiny of policing practices in Alabama. The City denied liability, asserting the officers acted within policy and reasonableness standards.

As of the case filing on April 6, 2026, the matter is in preliminary stages. No trial or settlement has been reached. The court is reviewing motions regarding the preservation and release of all body-worn camera and dashcam footage.

The central dispute is whether Officers Harper and Sanchez used excessive force that violated Winborn's Fourth Amendment rights, and whether the City of Leeds maintains a pattern of inadequate training and supervision that enabled the alleged misconduct. A secondary issue is whether the officers are entitled to qualified immunity given the disputed facts regarding the threat level and the integrity of video evidence.

The case intensified public discourse on police accountability in suburban Alabama, sparking peaceful demonstrations in Leeds and Birmingham. Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Alabama, cited the case as a critical test for qualified immunity reform. It also prompted the Leeds City Council to propose an independent review of police use-of-force policies and body camera protocols.