Halkmon v. Johnson et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
RONALD K. HALKMON, JR., 	)
)
Plaintiff, 	)
)
v. 	) 	No. 4:25-cv-00784-HEA
)
W. JOHNSON, et al., 	)
)
Defendants. 	)
OPINION, MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This matter is before the Court on Defendant Unknown Smith’s Motion to
Stay (Doc. 23). 	On February 3, 2026, Defendant filed suggestions of Plaintiff’s
death, stating that Plaintiff Ronald K. Halkmon, Jr. died on January 17, 2026 (Doc.
22). 	Pursuant to Federal Rule 25(a), Plaintiff’s successor or representative has 90
days from the service of this statement to file a motion to substitute the proper party.
See Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(a). If the motion is not made within 90 days after service of
the statement noting the death, the action must be dismissed. Id.
For these reasons, the Court will grant Defendant’s motion to stay, and stay
this action for 90 days. If Plaintiff’s successor or representative does not move to
substitute the proper party within 90 days, the Court will dismiss this action without
further notice to Plaintiff.
Case: 4:25-cv-00784-HEA Doc. #: 24 Filed: 02/04/26 Page: 1 of 2 PageID #:
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Accordingly,
IT 	IS 	HEREBY 	ORDERED 	that 	Defendant’s 	Motion 	to 	Stay 	is
GRANTED. (Doc. 23)
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this action shall be STAYED until May
5, 2026.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that if Plaintiff’s successor or representative
does not file a motion to substitute the proper party within 90 days of Defendant’s
suggestions of death, the Court will dismiss this action without further notice to
Plaintiff.
Dated this 4 th day of February, 2026.
HENRY EDWARD AUTREY
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Case: 4:25-cv-00784-HEA Doc. #: 24 Filed: 02/04/26 Page: 2 of 2 PageID #:
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