July 7, 2022

Hicks Thomas Attorneys Finalize Multimillion-Dollar Settlement Over Murder-Suicide Involving California Highway Patrol Officer

By Hicks Thomas LLP


Hicks Thomas LLP has finalized a multimillion-dollar settlement on behalf of a client severely wounded in a violent 2018 murder-suicide involving a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.

Philip “Trae” deBeaubien sued CHP and several of its officers, arguing they bore responsibility for the shooting in which Officer Brad Wheat shot and killed his estranged wife, Mary, and wounded Mr. deBeaubien, her boyfriend. Officer Wheat then killed himself.

According to the lawsuit, CHP was made aware that Officer Wheat had made threats against his wife and Mr. deBeaubien and was concerned enough to take away his firearms and place him on limited duty.

The lawsuit contended that despite its knowledge of the threats, not only did CHP not warn Mr. deBeaubien about the potential threat to his life, but the department also returned Officer Wheat’s weapon and ammunition to him, which he then used in the shooting days later.

As part of the settlement, CHP has paid $4 million.

Hicks Thomas partners John Thomas and Eric Grant partnered on this case with attorney Stewart Katz of Sacramento. “This case has been about a fair outcome for Mr. deBeaubien and everything he has had to endure,” said Mr. Thomas. “We have now collected the settlement funds from all of the defendants and are pleased that this case can be dismissed.”

“I cannot say enough about this team of lawyers and the incredible work they did together,” said Mr. deBeaubien. “I am so grateful that I can now finally put this horrible chapter of my life behind me. I also hope this settlement means CHP will do more in the future to help its officers struggling with mental health issues.”

View Our Press Release: HERE

Related Posts

Hicks Thomas Partners Named Among the Nation’s Top Environmental Lawyers

Four partners with Hicks Thomas LLP have been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyers – The Green 500, a guide to the top environmental lawyers in the United States. Partners John B. Thomas, John Deis, Courtney Ervin and Eric Grant were recognized for their work in environmental…

Full Text

Hicks Thomas LLP Bolsters Labor & Employment Practice with Addition of Veteran Employment Lawyer Teresa Hudson as Of Counsel in Firm’s Houston Office

As part of a strategic move to further bolster an already impressive labor and employment practice, Hicks Thomas LLP is pleased to announce that veteran labor and employment lawyer Teresa D. Hudson has joined the firm as Of Counsel in its Houston office. Ms. Hudson brings decades of labor and employment experience…

Full Text

Hicks Thomas LLP And Three Partners Earn Prestigious Chambers USA Honors

Hicks Thomas LLP is pleased to announce that for a fifth straight year, it has earned recognition from Chambers USA, a prestigious legal guide that lists only the top lawyers and law firms in the country. The firm was recognized once again for its work in commercial litigation in Houston…

Full Text

Call: 713-547-9100