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Case Title MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2020cv03186
Date Filed2020-11-04
Date ClosedOpen
JudgeJudge Amy Berman Jackson
PlaintiffMURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT a Virginia non-profit organization
Case DescriptionThe Murder Accountability Project submitted a FOIA request to the FBI for records on the primary jurisdiction or the lead investigative group for murders and other violent crimes. MAP also sent similar requests to the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agencies acknowledged of the requests but after hearing nothing further from any of the agencies, MAP filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DefendantFEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
DefendantNATIONAL PARK SERVICE
DefendantBUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
Complaint attachment 8
Complaint attachment 9
Complaint attachment 10
Complaint attachment 11
Complaint attachment 12
Complaint attachment 13
Complaint attachment 14
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-11-041COMPLAINT against MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number ADCDC-7795060) filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exh A FBI-FOIA Request2, # 2 Exhibit Exh B BIA FOIA Request2, # 3 Exhibit Exh C NPS FOIA Request2, # 4 Exhibit Exh D FBI Response 9-18-2020, # 5 Exhibit Exh E MAP Admin Appeal for FBI, # 6 Exhibit Exh F Confirmation of MAP Appeal delivery, # 7 Exhibit Exh G a-2021-02189, # 8 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 9 Notice to Counsel/Party Notice, # 10 Summons FOIA-DOJ, # 11 Summons FOIA-FBI, # 12 Summons FOIA-NPS, # 13 Summons FOIA-BIA, # 14 Summons FOIA-DOI)(London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/04/2020)
2020-11-042NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. Case related to Case No. 19-2478. (adh, ) (Entered: 11/04/2020)
2020-11-043ERRATA by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT 1 Complaint,, filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/04/2020)
2020-11-04Case Assigned to Judge Amy Berman Jackson. (zsb) (Entered: 11/04/2020)
2020-11-054SUMMONS (5) Issued Electronically as to BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(adh, ) (Entered: 11/05/2020)
2020-11-055SUMMONS (5) Issued Electronically as to BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent) (zmd) (Entered: 11/05/2020)
2020-11-05SUMMONS Not Issued as to non-party U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney General. (zmd) (Entered: 11/05/2020)
2020-11-186RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR served on 11/13/2020 (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-187RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE served on 11/9/2020 (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-188RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS served on 11/13/2020 (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-189RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE served on 11/13/2020 (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-1810RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION served on 11/9/2020 (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-1811REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE re 1 Complaint,, filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. Related document: 1 Complaint,, filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT.(London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-1812REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE re 1 Complaint,, filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. Related document: 1 Complaint,, filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT.(London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/18/2020)
2020-11-2013SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (zjf) (Entered: 11/20/2020)
2020-11-2414RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 11/20//2020. (London, Ronald) (Entered: 11/24/2020)
2020-11-2515RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 11/20/2020. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 12/20/2020. (London, Ronald) Modified on 11/29/2020 to correct serve/answer due date (zjf). (Entered: 11/25/2020)
2020-12-1816Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint,, by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Field, Brian) (Entered: 12/18/2020)
2020-12-21MINUTE ORDER granting 16 Motion for Extension of Time. It is ORDERED that defendants must answer or otherwise respond to plaintiff's complaint by January 19, 2021. The Court will take up the question of whether a status conference is appropriate at that time. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 12/21/20. (lcabj2) (Entered: 12/21/2020)
2021-01-1917ANSWER to Complaint by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.(Field, Brian) (Entered: 01/19/2021)
2021-01-2018ORDER. Before the Court in this FOIA case are a complaint and an answer. The requirements of Local Civil Rule 16.3 and Rule 26(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure appear to be inapplicable. Defendants shall file a dispositive motion or, in the alternative, a report setting forth the schedule for the completion of its production of documents to plaintiff, on or before February 17, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 1/20/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 01/20/2021)
2021-02-0519MOTION to Consolidate Cases, MOTION for Status Hearing by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(London, Ronald). Added MOTION for Hearing on 2/5/2021 (zjf). (Entered: 02/05/2021)
2021-02-0920NOTICE of Appearance by Courtney Turco DeThomas on behalf of MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 02/09/2021)
2021-02-1721STATUS REPORT by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Field, Brian) (Entered: 02/17/2021)
2021-02-1822Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Consolidate Cases MOTION for Hearing by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Field, Brian) (Entered: 02/18/2021)
2021-02-18MINUTE ORDER granting defendants' 22 motion for extension of time. It is ORDERED that defendants' response to plaintiff's 19 motion to consolidate cases is due by February 24, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 2/18/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 02/18/2021)
2021-02-2423Memorandum in opposition to re 19 MOTION to Consolidate Cases MOTION for Hearing filed by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Field, Brian) (Entered: 02/24/2021)
2021-02-25MINUTE ORDER. In light of the representations made by the plaintiff in its 19 motion to consolidate, defendants' 23 memorandum in opposition to the motion to consolidate, and the Court's review of the record, it appears that the FOIA requests in this case and case number 19-cv-2478 are different; the requests were filed on different timetables and asked for different documents. For these reasons, it is ORDERED that plaintiff's 19 Motion to Consolidate and Motion for Status Hearing is DENIED. It is FURTHER ORDERED that defendants' dispositive motion must be submitted by March 18, 2021; plaintiff's opposition and any cross-motion must be submitted by April 8, 2021; defendants' reply and cross-opposition must be submitted by April 22, 2021; and plaintiff's cross-reply must be submitted by May 6, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 2/25/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 02/25/2021)
2021-02-2624MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (London, Ronald) Modified event title on 3/2/2021 (znmw). (Entered: 02/26/2021)
2021-03-0325MOTION for Extension of Time to file Motion for Summary Judgment by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Field, Brian) (Entered: 03/03/2021)
2021-03-03MINUTE ORDER granting defendants' 25 motion for extension of time. It is ORDERED that defendants' dispositive motion must be submitted by April 30, 2021; plaintiff's opposition and any cross-motion must be submitted by May 21, 2021; defendants' reply and cross-opposition must be submitted by June 4, 2021; and plaintiff's cross-reply must be submitted by June 18, 2021. Given the lengthy nature of the extension, the date will not be extended further absent extraordinary circumstances. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 3/3/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 03/03/2021)
2021-04-3026MOTION for Summary Judgment by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Exhibit 1 (Wilson Decl.), # 4 Exhibit 2 (Short Bull Decl.), # 5 Exhibit 3 (Seidel Decl.))(Field, Brian) (Entered: 04/30/2021)
2021-05-2127Memorandum in opposition to re 26 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Cross Motion for Summary Judgment filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Thomas Hargrove, # 2 Declaration of Morgan Wright, # 3 Statement of Facts, # 4 Statement of Genuine Issues, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 05/21/2021)
2021-05-2128Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Thomas Hargrove, # 2 Declaration of Morgan Wright, # 3 Statement of Facts, # 4 Statement of Genuine Issues, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 05/21/2021)
2021-06-0329REPLY to opposition to motion re 26 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts)(Field, Brian) (Entered: 06/03/2021)
2021-06-0330Memorandum in opposition to re 28 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts)(Field, Brian) (Entered: 06/03/2021)
2021-06-0431NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by Dedra Seibel Curteman on behalf of All Defendants Substituting for attorney Brian Field (Curteman, Dedra) (Entered: 06/04/2021)
2021-06-1832REPLY re 28 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 06/18/2021)
2021-10-0133MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Declaration of Thomas Hargrove by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement Declaration of Thomas Hargrove)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 10/01/2021)
2021-10-04MINUTE ORDER. It is ORDERED that plaintiff's 33 motion for leave to file is GRANTED. The Clerk of Court is directed to file the Supplemental Declaration of Thomas Hargrove [33-1]. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/4/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 10/04/2021)
2021-10-0434SUPPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION re 32 REPLY re 28 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (zjf) (Entered: 10/06/2021)
2021-10-2835MOTION for Leave to File Second Supplemental Hargrove Declaration by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Second Supplemental Hargrove Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit to Second Supplemental Hargrove Declaration)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 10/28/2021)
2021-10-28MINUTE ORDER. Plaintiff's 35 motion for leave to file is GRANTED. The Clerk of Court is directed to file [35-1] the Second Supplemental Declaration of Thomas Hargrove and [35-2] Exhibit to the Second Supplemental Declaration of Thomas Hargrove. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/28/2021. (lcabj2) (Entered: 10/28/2021)
2021-10-2836SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT re 32 REPLY re 28 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(znmw) (Entered: 11/10/2021)
2022-09-30MINUTE ORDER. Notwithstanding the Court's February 25, 2021 order denying plaintiff's motion to consolidate based on the facts known to it at the time, it is now ORDERED that Murder Accountability Project v. U.S. Dep't of Justice (20-cv-3186) and Murder Accountability Project v. U.S. Dep't of Justice (19-cv-2478) are CONSOLIDATED. It is FURTHER ORDERED that the cases are stayed pending further order of the Court. The parties must file a status report by October 26, 2022 informing the Court whether the parties are requesting the assistance of a Magistrate Judge in mediating negotiations over the scope and timing of the requested document production. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 09/30/2022. (lcabj2) (Entered: 09/30/2022)
2022-09-30Set/Reset Deadline: The parties must file a status report by 10/26/2022 informing the Court whether the parties are requesting the assistance of a Magistrate Judge in mediating negotiations over the scope and timing of the requested document production. (jth) (Entered: 09/30/2022)
2022-09-30Cases Consolidated. Case 20cv3186 has been consolidated with case 19cv2478, pursuant to Minute Order filed 9/30/2022. From this date forward, all pleadings shall be filed ONLY in the lead case, Civil Action No. 19cv2478. The parties are advised NOT to select the SPREAD TEXT option when filing in ECF, as this will result in repetitive docketing. (znmw) (Entered: 10/11/2022)
2022-10-0537Joint STATUS REPORT by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 10/05/2022)
2022-10-0738ORDER REFERRING CASES. At the request of the parties on October 5, 2022, it is ORDERED that these consolidated matters are referred to Magistrate Judge Harvey for mediation purposes to commence on October 7, 2022 and to conclude on January 9, 2023. It is FURTHER ORDERED that the parties submit a report to this Court on the status of the mediation by January 9, 2023, and if the cases settle in whole or in part, both parties shall immediately advise the Court of the settlement by filing a stipulation. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/07/2022. (lcabj2) (Entered: 10/07/2022)
2022-10-14CASE DIRECTLY REFERRED to Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey for mediation. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(znmw) Modified on 11/2/2022 to correct date filed (zsl). (Entered: 10/14/2022)
2022-10-1739MEDIATION STANDING ORDER. Signed by Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey on 10/17/2022. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(lcge) (Entered: 10/17/2022)
2022-10-20Set/Reset Hearings: Settlement Conference set for 1/25/2023 at 10:00 AM in Telephonic/VTC before Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(lcge) (Entered: 10/20/2022)
2022-10-21MINUTE ORDER granting (67) Motion for Leave of Monder Khoury to Appear Pro Hac Vice only upon condition that the lawyer admitted, or at least one member of the lawyer's firm, undergo CM/ECF training, obtain a CM/ECF username and password, and agree to file papers electronically. No court papers will be mailed to any lawyer. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions in case 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/21/22. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ. (DMK) (Entered: 10/21/2022)
2023-02-2240Joint STATUS REPORT by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT, MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(Burke, Thomas) (Entered: 02/22/2023)
2023-04-2441Joint STATUS REPORT by MURDER ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(Burke, Thomas) (Entered: 04/24/2023)
2023-06-0542NOTICE of Change of Address by Thomas R. Burke Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(Burke, Thomas) (Entered: 06/05/2023)
2023-06-2343Joint STATUS REPORT by BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER, U.S. AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, U.S. NAVY. Associated Cases: 1:19-cv-02478-ABJ, 1:20-cv-03186-ABJ(Curteman, Dedra) (Entered: 06/23/2023)
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