In a city rocked by its vibrant history and challenging present, Detroit now faces a deeply personal and public reckoning. Amidst the urban rhythm, a haunting question echoes: When tragedy strikes at the hands of those meant to protect residents, can any sum truly quantify the value of a lost life? The sudden death of Cliff Woodards II, a legal beacon and radio personality, thrust this debate into the spotlight.
Melissa Connelly, the daughter of prominent and beloved Detroit defense attorney and radio talk show host Cliff Woodards II, originally filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit last year against the city and Detroit Police Officer Teaira Iris Funderburg after a negligent act by a Funderburg claimed the life of Woodards II.
On Feb. 8, 2021, at around 1 a.m., as Woodards II made his way home from Detroit’s west side, his life took a sudden turn. Officer Funderburg, responding to a non-emergency call, ran a red light and struck Woodard’s Lexus IS 250 at the Interstate 96 Service Drive and West Chicago intersection. This unfortunate event led to the untimely death of a man known for his sharp legal acumen, infectious wit, and magnetic presence.
After a years-long legal process, the Detroit city council recently voted unanimously for the settlement of Connelly’s agreement of $5 million. Connelly’s attorney, Arnold E. Reed of Reed & Associates, P.C., expressed: “Nothing is over to be honest; the family will have to go on the rest of their lives knowing that they’ll never see Cliff again. Money is a mere symbol that there was a horrible wrong done. A money judgment is just a symbol and recognition to the entire family that there was a wrong here.”
Although originally charged with involuntary manslaughter and willful neglect of duty in June of 2021, Funderburg pled no contest to the latter. The plea was treated as an admission of guilt for sentencing purposes. As part of her sentence, she will serve one year of probation, surrender her state policing certification, and complete 100 hours of community service. The pressing question remains for the family and for other residents: Is this enough?
“The officer responsible for Attorney Woodard’s untimely death had their day in court and I have faith that the judicial system examined all the facts in the case and rendered an appropriate verdict and sentence,” City Council President Mary Sheffield told the Michigan Chronicle.
According to the family’s lawsuit, Funderburg had been warned multiple times about her conduct during her tenure. She had previously faced disciplinary action, and details emerged of her failing the driving test in the police academy. Reed shared: “(Funderburg) should have never been an officer. Before she became a police officer she had two license suspensions and other infractions, and they didn’t want to hand that (evidence) over. So, that in itself was a battle.”
Reed’s determination and advocacy on behalf of the Woodards family is evident, and he noted the hurdles they faced during the legal proceedings.
“There were over 25 motions, and we won every single one of them. Over 50 depositions. That is unheard of,” he said. Remarkably, Reed said, this is the first time in Michigan’s history that a police officer has been successfully sued under such circumstances. Reed articulates the weight of this achievement, stating: “This is the first time a police officer has been prosecuted for it as well. Being the first firm to successfully do this in the state of Michigan is quite an accomplishment. I’m very proud of our team. Her family is extremely well-deserving, but again, there are no real winners here.”
Despite the initial $50 million lawsuit, the family settled for $5 million. Reed added: “It was never about money. Melissa Connelly has an excellent job, a college degree, she’s married, her wife is a registered nurse. This was never a money grab. So, at a certain point you reach a point of resolve, and you reach a point when you say let’s just put this behind us. And so that’s what Melissa decided – to put this behind the family and just move forward.”
Council President Sheffield weighed in, saying, “Attorney Cliff Woodard represented the best Detroit has to offer. No amount of money can atone for the tragic loss of his life, but it is my sincere hope that the settlement can bring some solace to the family and help his legacy live on forever.”
But this lawsuit’s financial implications for Detroit cannot be ignored. Sheffield acknowledges the impact. “The litigation fund will certainly take a major hit. However, City Council will ensure there are enough funds to protect the City of Detroit moving forward.”