A tragic incident involving a family's worst nightmare has escalated into a legal battle, as two parents seek justice for what they describe as a violation of their constitutional rights. Eric and Sarah Courtney have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on April 4, 2025, against Blake Cavalier, the City of Walker, Louisiana, and Chief David Addison in his capacity as Chief of Police for the City of Walker.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on April 5, 2024, when Sarah Courtney discovered her young son Isaac unresponsive in their swimming pool. The couple immediately called emergency services. However, instead of receiving support and compassion from the responding officers, Eric Courtney alleges he was subjected to excessive force and unlawful detention by Officer Blake Cavalier and other unnamed officers from the Walker Police Department (WPD). According to the complaint, after being asked to identify himself while mourning his son's presumed death, Eric was forcibly subdued by Officer Cavalier using a shoulder lock maneuver. This was followed by further physical assault from multiple officers who allegedly used knees and fists against him while he lay prone on the ground.
Sarah Courtney witnessed these events unfold alongside her children and pleaded with officers not to harm her husband. Despite her pleas, one officer reportedly deployed a TASER on Eric while he was handcuffed and face down. The complaint highlights that such use of force is considered excessive under established law unless there is an immediate threat perceived by a reasonable officer.
The plaintiffs argue that this incident reflects broader systemic issues within the WPD regarding inadequate training and supervision under Chief Addison's leadership. They claim these deficiencies contributed to a culture where officers felt empowered to use excessive force without fear of repercussions. As part of their legal action, Eric and Sarah Courtney are seeking compensatory damages for physical injuries sustained by Eric during his arrest as well as emotional distress experienced by both plaintiffs due to the traumatic nature of these events.
In addition to compensatory damages, they are also pursuing punitive damages against all defendants involved in order to hold them accountable for their actions or lack thereof during this ordeal. The plaintiffs' legal team includes attorneys Stephen M. Irving from Steve Irving LLC; Jennifer M. Racca from Jen Racca Law; and Martin K Maley Sr., representing Maley Law Firm.
This case raises significant questions about police conduct standards within local law enforcement agencies like WPD—particularly concerning how officers handle sensitive situations involving grieving families facing personal tragedies at home or elsewhere within their jurisdictional boundaries.
Judge Brian A Jackson will preside over Case No: 3:25-cv-00280-BAJ-RLB with attorneys Stephen M Irving representing Steve Irving LLC; Jennifer M Racca representing Jen Racca Law; Martin K Maley Sr., representing Maley Law Firm—all advocating passionately on behalf of plaintiffs Eric & Sarah Courtney seeking justice through our nation's judicial system today