Oakland, California — The case over the death of Tongan man Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, who was killed during a police chase in Oakland in 2022, has been taken to the United States Supreme Court.
Soakai, 28, was killed on June 25, 2022, when a fleeing suspect crashed into parked vehicles, causing motorcycles to fall on him as he stood with his mother on International Boulevard.
Soakai’s mother, Lavinia Soakai, suffered a broken back, and other family members were injured.
Two former Oakland police officers, Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin‑Coronel, are asking the Supreme Court to rule that they should not be held financially liable for Soakai’s death, the Oakland media reported.
The officers were pursuing Arnold Azael Linaldi, then 19, despite Oakland Police rules that prohibit chases unless a suspect is linked to a violent crime or firearm.
Court records say the officers left the scene without giving medical aid, then later returned, acting unaware of what had occurred.
In May 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled police can be held liable when a reckless pursuit leads to the death of an innocent bystander, even if harm was not intended.
The former officers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that decision, arguing that constitutional liability requires proof of intent to harm.
Although the City of Oakland is not formally part of the Supreme Court case, it is covering the officers’ legal costs and would be responsible for any damages in the wrongful death lawsuit, under California law.
The Soakai family, represented by civil rights lawyer Patrick Buelna, is seeking at least US$20 million for Lavinia Soakai and other injured relatives.
Settlement talks are scheduled by March 3, with a trial set for August 18 if no agreement is reached.
The case has drawn attention across the Tongan and Pasifika communities and could have major implications for police accountability and bystander rights across the United States.
