Lawsuit Settled Following 2022 Death of LVMPD Detective
The family of Justin Terry reached a multi-million dollar settlement after his 2022 death on U.S. 95.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The family of Detective Justin Terry, a 20-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, reached a settlement with D.H. Charles Engineering following his death in June 2022. The agreement stems from a civil lawsuit filed after a 7,000-pound metal beam fell from a tractor-trailer and crushed the detective's vehicle near U.S. 95 and the 215 Beltway.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of construction-related safety failures on major valley thoroughfares. While this settlement resolves claims against one defendant, litigation remains active for the remaining parties involved in the fatal incident.
D.H. Charles Engineering agreed to pay more than $4.5 million to the family of the late detective. This follows an incident involving a metal beam weighing over 7,000 pounds, with the remaining civil claims still pending resolution.
The players
Justin Terry
A 20-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department who died in 2022.
D.H. Charles Engineering
An engineering firm that agreed to a settlement in the civil lawsuit regarding the incident.
Western States Contracting
A contractor that entered into a partial settlement agreement with the victim's family.
Las Vegas Paving Corp
A defendant named in the civil lawsuit filed by the family of the deceased detective.
The details
The settlement was finalized via documents filed on September 14, 2026. The original complaint alleges that the truck involved in the June 2022 accident was carrying a load that exceeded legal height restrictions. Western States Contracting also entered into a partial settlement agreement as part of the ongoing litigation. The remaining civil trial for other defendants is currently scheduled for October 2026.
Timeline
June 2022: Detective Justin Terry was killed when a beam fell onto his vehicle.
September 14, 2026: Settlement documents involving D.H. Charles Engineering were filed.
October 2026: A civil trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled.
Beyond the Strip
The incident occurred during the multi-year construction of the Centennial Bowl project, a critical highway interchange overhaul. This litigation mirrors broader valley concerns regarding the oversight of heavy equipment transportation during major infrastructure build-outs.
The legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the hazards associated with heavy construction loads on our local highways. Residents should monitor future court filings as the civil trial involving the remaining defendants progresses toward its October 2026 date.
The takeaway
This settlement provides a significant, though partial, legal resolution to a tragic event on our regional highways. Residents should watch the court calendar for updates on the upcoming trial in October 2026 regarding the remaining defendants.
What happens next
A civil trial involving the remaining defendant is scheduled to occur in October 2026.
Further reading
For more on how local authorities monitor public safety, visit our Law Enforcement section.
