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Cordale Handy

Who was Cordale Handy?

Cordale Handy was a 29-year-old man who tragically lost his life on March 15, 2017, during a mental health crisis. The incident occurred when St. Paul police officers Nathaniel Younce and Mikko Norman responded to a 911 call at an apartment building in St. Paul, MN. Despite the officers’ claims that Handy pointed a gun at them, his mother, Kim Handy Jones, maintained that her son was not a threat at the time of the shooting. Eyewitnesses and forensic evidence presented in court further disprove this claim. Handy, who was dealing with severe distress, had fired shots inside his apartment out of fear that someone was trying to harm him​ (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​.

In 2023, a federal jury recognized the unjust nature of Handy’s death, finding Officer Younce civilly liable and awarding $11.5 million in damages to Handy’s family. This significant verdict included $10 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages. Although a judge later reduced the compensatory damages to $2.5 million, the jury’s decision highlighted the wrongful actions taken by the officer​ (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​. The family has contested the judge’s ruling on damages and are in ongoing litigation over this issue.

Handy’s family, especially his mother, has been a vocal advocate for justice and police reform. Despite the challenges, Kim Handy Jones has continued to fight for her son’s memory and for other families affected by similar tragedies. Her unwavering dedication has been a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating the strength and resilience of a mother seeking justice for her child​ (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​.

Kim Handy Jones founded the Cordale Q. Handy In Remembrance of Me Foundation to honor her son’s memory and advocate for justice and police reform. The foundation provides headstones to families who have lost a loved one to police or community violence, supporting them in their time of need and raising awareness about the impact of such tragedies. Additionally, Kim Handy Jones hosts an annual weekend of remembrance for Cordale, bringing together families impacted by police brutality from across the country to support one another and advocate for justice​ (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​.

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Cordale Q. Handy In Remembrance of Me Foundation

The Cordale Q. Handy In Remembrance of Me Foundation was established by Kimberly Handy-Jones after the tragic loss of her son, Cordale, who was killed by St. Paul police officers on March 15, 2017. Driven by her personal experience, Kimberly founded the organization to support families who have lost children to police and community violence.

Their mission is to:

  • Provide headstones for families who have lost children to police and community violence.
  • Offer love and support to mothers and fathers whose children have died.
  • Remember and speak the names of the children who died too soon.
  • Fight for justice for the children and families affected by police violence.

Since its inception, the foundation has provided 23 headstones and continues to extend its support to many more families in need. Kimberly Handy-Jones immediately began reaching out to others after burying her son, recognizing the financial burden many families face in affording a headstone for their loved ones. Through her relentless fundraising efforts, Kimberly has been able to provide much-needed assistance and bring a sense of closure to grieving families.

Join them in their mission to honor the memories of the children who have been lost and to support the families left behind. Together, they can make a difference and ensure that their names are never forgotten.

Visit the Cordale Handy In Remembrance of Me Foundation Website

Cordale’s case underscores the need for better handling of mental health crises by law enforcement and has contributed to ongoing discussions about police accountability and the importance of compassionate responses in such situations​ (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​.

The Reinvestigation Workgroup played a crucial role in Cordale Handy’s case by meticulously reviewing and analyzing the evidence independently. This dedicated group of volunteers combed through thousands of pages of documents and evidence to uncover critical information supporting the family’s claims. Their exhaustive investigative work helped build a compelling case that ultimately led to the federal jury finding Officer Nathaniel Younce civilly liable for Handy’s death and awarding significant damages to his family (MPR News)​​ (MPR News)​. Local attorney Paul Bosman took on Cordale’s case, fighting for justice on behalf of Handy and his family. Later, Chicago-based attorney Kevin O’Connor joined the team with Paul and helped take the case through a successful federal civil jury trial.

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