Metro Police Settled Lawsuit With Kirstin Lobato
The city approved a $29.5 million payout on September 9 after she served over 16 years for a wrongful conviction.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Kirstin Blaise Lobato reached a $29.5 million settlement with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, concluding a civil case over her 2001 wrongful conviction. The agreement was finalized by the Metropolitan Committee on Fiscal Affairs following years of legal disputes.
Why it matters
This payout resolves a long-standing claim that detectives fabricated evidence in the 2001 killing of Duran Bailey. Lobato was eventually granted a Certificate of Innocence after her conviction was vacated in 2017.
The settlement of $29.5 million follows a $34 million federal jury award granted in December 2024. Lobato served more than 16 years in prison for a conviction that was later vacated.
The players
Kirstin Blaise Lobato
A woman who spent 16 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later vacated.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The local law enforcement agency involved in the civil settlement regarding past investigations.
Duran Bailey
The individual whose 2001 killing led to the wrongful conviction of Lobato.
The details
The settlement addresses allegations that police mischaracterized statements and falsely implied a confession during the initial investigation into the death of Duran Bailey. The Metropolitan Committee on Fiscal Affairs formally accepted these terms during their September 9 meeting. This action follows the 2017 vacation of Lobato's conviction and her subsequent release from custody in January 2018.
Timeline
2001: Duran Bailey was killed.
December 2017: Lobato's murder conviction was vacated.
January 2018: Lobato was released from prison.
December 2024: A federal jury awarded $34 million in damages.
September 9, 2026: The Committee on Fiscal Affairs accepted the settlement.
Beyond the Strip
This settlement marks the financial conclusion to the case that began with the 2017 vacation of Lobato's conviction. It follows the pattern of civil redress for wrongful imprisonment claims established in Nevada courts.
The approval of this settlement closes a major civil liability case for the department. Residents should monitor future budget reports from the committee to see how the $29.5 million payment impacts department funding for the coming fiscal year.
The takeaway
The settlement confirms the end of the legal proceedings regarding Lobato's wrongful conviction. Residents can look for updates in the Metropolitan Committee on Fiscal Affairs meeting minutes regarding the finalized payment structure.
Further reading
For more on local legal outcomes, visit the Criminal Justice section.
