In a recent legal filing, Michael Anthony Godinez, acting as the special administrator for the estate of his deceased son, Michael O. Godinez, has lodged a complaint against police officer Travon Done and the Village of Sauk Village. The complaint was filed on May 24, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The case revolves around a tragic incident that occurred on May 27, 2023. According to the complaint, Michael O. Godinez attended a party at a residential house located at 1172 Coyote Run in Bourbonnais, Kankakee County, Illinois. The same party was also attended by off-duty police officer Travon Done. During the early morning hours, an altercation broke out among some guests at the party. As tensions escalated and guests moved outside into the yard, Done allegedly shot Michael O. Godinez multiple times with his 9mm firearm.
The complaint details that Done fired at least nine shots at Michael O. Godinez, resulting in seven gunshot wounds that ultimately led to his death. Notably, two of these shots were fired into Michael's back. The plaintiff alleges that prior to opening fire, Done did not call for backup or attempt any de-escalation techniques. Furthermore, after shooting Michael O., Done did not provide or arrange for emergency medical treatment and fled the scene before turning himself in later that day.
The lawsuit claims that Done’s actions were excessive and violated both federal and state laws including rights secured under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. It is asserted that Done used unnecessary force contrary to Sauk Village Ordinance Code § 42-23 which mandates law enforcement officers to avoid such conduct.
Michael Anthony Godinez is seeking compensatory damages for physical pain, emotional anguish, financial losses suffered by his son before his death as well as punitive damages against Travon Done for his alleged reckless disregard for human life. Additionally, he seeks relief from Sauk Village under theories of respondeat superior and indemnification pursuant to Illinois law which holds public entities accountable for tort judgments against their employees acting within their employment scope.
Representing Michael Anthony Godinez are attorneys Gregory T. Condon from Condon Law Firm based in La Grange; David L. King and Paul E. Kelly from Kelly & King P.C., Chicago; and Jonathon Treat from Treat Law Office P.C., also based in Chicago.