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1300+San Bernardino County has agreed to pay $5.2 million to the family of Keith Vinyard, a 52-year-old man killed by a sheriff’s deputy in Hesperia in 2024. The settlement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit that lasted more than two years.
What Happened to Keith Vinyard
On March 23, 2024, deputies pursued Vinyard in connection with a domestic violence warrant. The chase ended in a desert area near the 15400 block of Halinor Street in Hesperia.
The Sheriff’s Department said Vinyard refused commands and threatened a deputy, and that he armed himself with a large metal object before he was shot around 9:50 p.m.
Investigators determined Vinyard did not have a firearm. That triggered an independent review by the California Department of Justice, which is still open.
The Family’s Lawsuit
Vinyard’s widow and his five children filed suit in July 2024. They alleged excessive force and indifference to his medical needs.
The family’s attorney disputed the department’s account and said Vinyard made no threat. Testimony during the case suggested the object he held could have been a cane, a metal bar, a piece of lumber, or a stick.
Court filings also described testimony from a deputy who said they fired in unison with other deputies, not because they saw an immediate threat.
Settlement Terms
The parties reached the agreement on July 14, 2026. The widow received a gross amount of $2.6 million, and each of the five children received $520,000.
Four of the children are minors, so their shares will be held in blocked accounts until they turn 18.
A federal judge dismissed the case with prejudice on September 28, 2026. The Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on any discipline, citing personnel confidentiality.
What This Means for Families in the High Desert
A settlement does not undo a loss. It can, however, provide financial security for a family that has lost its income and support.
Wrongful death claims against government agencies in California come with strict deadlines and special notice requirements. A family that waits too long can lose its right to compensation.
Speak With an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in San Bernardino County
If you lost a loved one in an incident involving law enforcement, you deserve clear answers about your options. The wrongful death attorneys from Attorney Jeff serve families across the High Desert, including Hesperia and Victorville.
Contact our San Bernardino County law offices today for a free consultation and learn how we can help your family pursue the damages you are entitled to.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.