The mother of a 26-year-old Army veteran killed during a December 2024 SWAT operation in rural Lane County has filed a $12.5 million wrongful death lawsuit against state and local law enforcement agencies.
Rhonda Proctor of Vermont filed the lawsuit in Lane County Circuit Court over the death of her son, Tyler Holloway, who was shot and killed by members of the Oregon State Police SWAT team in the early morning hours of Dec. 27, 2024.
The lawsuit also names the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, SWAT team leader Jamin VanMeter, and three unnamed SWAT members as defendants.
Night of Violence
According to the complaint, Holloway and three others were inside a shop at Prindel Creek Farm in the Five Rivers area when Everett Fuller allegedly burst in around 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2024, fatally shooting Holloway’s friend, Chris “Bubba” Clark Jr. Fuller then fled the property.
Holloway and others called 911, reporting the shooting and identifying the suspect. The lawsuit states that despite repeated assurances that help was on the way, law enforcement did not approach the shop for several hours.
Authorities eventually established a command post and called in a SWAT team. The suit alleges officers conducted remote surveillance and were aware that the suspected shooter had fled and that Holloway and others were inside the shop awaiting rescue.
Fatal Encounter
At about 5:35 a.m., Holloway stepped outside the shop, allegedly unaware that SWAT officers had surrounded the building in darkness. According to the lawsuit, officers approached covertly on foot rather than using armored vehicles and loudspeaker announcements.
When Holloway exited with a handgun — which the suit says he legally possessed and had previously reported to dispatchers — officers opened fire. A total of 29 rounds were discharged, and one struck Holloway in the heart, killing him.
Lane County District Attorney Christopher Parosa later concluded the three SWAT officers were not criminally liable, determining they fired after Holloway shot first when startled.
The civil lawsuit, however, alleges negligent tactics, excessive delay and a failure to properly announce law enforcement presence. It claims officers created the danger that led to Holloway’s death by using what it calls an unnecessary “stealth” approach rather than a visible rescue operation.
Allegations of Negligence
The complaint argues that SWAT leadership ignored information confirming the suspected killer was no longer on the property and failed to alert the victims to their presence using lights, sirens or loudspeakers. It also alleges officers failed to provide prompt medical aid after Holloway was shot.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims VanMeter had a documented history of questionable tactical decisions and cites a prior fatal shooting in 2012 involving another SWAT operation.
Fuller later surrendered to police in Eugene and is awaiting trial on a charge of second-degree murder.
An Oregon State Police spokesperson said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.
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