STOKES v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA WILLIE STOKES : CIVIL ACTION Plaintiff : : NO. 22-0338 v. : : CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, et al. : Defendants : NITZA I. QUIÑONES ALEJANDRO, J. JANUARY 23, 2023 MEMORANDUM OPINION INTRODUCTION Plaintiff Willie Stokes (“Stokes”), who was recently exonerated after serving thirty-seven years in prison, commenced this civil action against several defendants, including the Estate of Detective Lawrence Gerrard (“Detective Gerrard”) and the City of Philadelphia (the “City”) (collectively, “Defendants”).1 In his complaint, Stokes…