By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

The Manvel civil rights lawsuit could be headed toward trial in spring 2027. However, a federal judge must first decide whether the case, or portions of it, can proceed.

Attorney Michael Kerensky confirmed Thursday, October 29, that the judge is reviewing competing motions for summary judgment in Marks v. City of Manvel.

The lawsuit involves allegations of constitutional violations stemming from a Manvel Police Department investigation.

Kerensky said no additional hearings are expected until the judge issues a ruling.

If claims remain for trial, the next court appearance will likely be a docket call to establish a trial schedule.

Although a spring 2027 trial is anticipated, the judge has not set a date.

What is the lawsuit about?

The federal lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, involves plaintiffs John Marks and Freddie Douglas.

The case challenges actions taken during a Manvel Police Department investigation and raises questions about whether the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights were violated.

Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor is among the officials whose actions have been challenged in the litigation.

The plaintiffs’ claims remain allegations. The court has not made a final determination that the defendants violated anyone’s constitutional rights.

Depositions and the investigation

The litigation has involved sworn testimony from individuals connected to the underlying investigation.

Depositions allow attorneys to question witnesses under oath about their actions, knowledge and recollections.

Such testimony can play an important role in determining whether significant factual disputes exist and whether those disputes must be resolved at trial.

The proceedings have also involved questions concerning testimony from law-enforcement and prosecutorial officials.

A March 2026 court ruling addressed an interlocutory appeal related to depositions involving Texas Ranger Aaron Arizmendi and District Attorney Tom Selleck.

That procedural dispute is separate from the summary judgment motions now awaiting a decision.

What is summary judgment?

Both sides have asked the federal court to rule on legal issues before trial.

A motion for summary judgment allows a judge to resolve a claim when there is no genuine dispute over facts material to the decision and the moving party is entitled to judgment under the law.

The judge could dismiss some claims, allow others to proceed or issue a ruling that resolves the case without a trial.

The filing of competing motions does not mean either side has prevailed.

What happens next?

According to Kerensky, the court is not expected to schedule additional hearings until the pending motions are decided.

If claims remain for trial, the next step would likely be a docket call, during which the court could establish a trial schedule.

Kerensky anticipates a possible trial in spring 2027 but emphasized that scheduling is ultimately the judge’s decision.

The case remains unresolved.

Why this case matters

The lawsuit raises questions about the responsibilities of law-enforcement officers during criminal investigations and the constitutional protections afforded to individuals who become subjects of those investigations.

Federal civil-rights lawsuits can examine whether government officials acted within the limits of their legal authority.

However, allegations made in a lawsuit are not proof of misconduct, and the defendants have the opportunity to contest the claims.

The upcoming ruling could determine whether a jury will eventually hear the disputed evidence.

For now, the case remains in the hands of the federal judge.

This is an ongoing investigation. Additional reporting will follow when the court issues its ruling.

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