The drama surrounding Detroit Judge Kenneth King and his treatment of 15-year-old Eva Goodman has taken a new turn. After making headlines for ordering the teen into handcuffs and jail clothes during a routine court field trip, Judge King is now facing a lawsuit from Goodman’s attorneys. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, accuses King of false arrest, unlawful detention, and causing severe emotional distress.
The incident on August 13 at Detroit’s 36th District Court sparked outrage when Judge King singled out Goodman for falling asleep and displaying what he perceived as a “bad attitude.” Instead of a reprimand, King escalated the situation, ordering the teen into handcuffs and jail attire.
Goldman’s mother, Latoreya Till, later revealed that her daughter had been particularly exhausted that day because they currently do not have a permanent home. The lack of stable housing contributed to Eva’s tiredness during the field trip, making Judge King’s actions all the more troubling.
“It’s been pretty devastating,” Till shared, describing how Eva now isolates herself, struggling with anxiety and fear. “Eva doesn’t want to leave the house. She only feels safe with family now. It’s hard for her to sleep at night, and she keeps asking, ‘Why did the judge do this to me?’”
Judge King was removed from courtroom duties last week and is awaiting mandatory training.
Attorneys Gary Felty Jr. and James Harrington, representing Goodman, argue that King’s actions went far beyond a simple courtroom lesson. They claim the judge overstepped his authority, taking on multiple roles in what they describe as a calculated effort to humiliate the teen.
King has not yet responded to the lawsuit, but he previously defended his actions, stating in an interview that he wanted the experience to “feel very real” for Goodman, even though there was little chance she would actually be jailed.
Now, the Goodman family is seeking over $75,000 in damages.
