A Douglas County, Colorado jury returned a $24 million verdict on May 11, 2026, against Parker Police Detective Shannon Brukbacher, finding her liable for malicious prosecution and false arrest of Robert Dial, a New Jersey man who had no involvement in the crime that prompted his arrest [1]. The case proceeded to trial in the District Court for Douglas County, with Judge Tracy Davis presiding [1].
The facts underlying the lawsuit trace to a 2022 double shooting in Parker, Colorado, committed by Dial's son [1]. Brukbacher arrested Dial at Denver International Airport, pulling him off a departing aircraft, on the theory that he bore criminal responsibility for the incident [1]. Prosecutors later dismissed all charges against him [1]. Dial then filed suit against Brukbacher, asserting claims for malicious prosecution and false arrest under Colorado civil rights law [1].
The jury awarded $24 million in compensatory damages, a figure reported to be the largest police misconduct verdict or settlement in Colorado history [1]. No punitive component was separately awarded by the jury, placing the entire sum in the compensatory category [1]. Dial's trial team was led by David Maxted and Kate Stimson [1].
The verdict carries implications beyond the immediate parties. Prosecutors have initiated a review of prior cases in which Brukbacher played an investigative role, given the breadth of her involvement across hundreds of matters [1]. The town of Parker and its police department face scrutiny over supervision and policy, though any indemnification or coverage dispute had not been publicly resolved as of this reporting.
—