Cleveland County weighs $20M settlement in death of Norman ‘Cookie Queen’ Shannon Hanchett
Nearly four years after Norman’s “Cookie Queen” died in jail, Cleveland County is weighing a $20 million settlement for her estate.
NORMAN, Okla. —
Nearly four years after Norman’s “Cookie Queen” died inside the Cleveland County jail, her estate could receive millions of dollars in a settlement.
| VIDEO ABOVE | Beds for mental health patients were open during Norman ‘Cookie Queen’s’ arrest
On Tuesday, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioner is set to consider approving a $20 million settlement for Shannon Hanchett’s estate. Under the agreement, the county and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office would not admit responsibility for her death.
The county’s insurance provider would pay $2 million, leaving Cleveland County to pay the remaining $18 million plus interest.
According to the resolution, that $18 million would be split into three annual payments, with the first due in 2027.
>> Video Below: Lawsuit filed almost year after death of ‘Cookie Queen’ at Cleveland County Detention Center
Hanchett, who was 38, owned the Cookie Cottage, a popular bakery in downtown Norman. Her death sparked public outcry and calls for change at the jail.
She was arrested in November of 2022 at a phone store during what Norman police called a mental health crisis. Two weeks later, she was found unresponsive in her cell.
Her estate filed a federal lawsuit, alleging Hanchett did not get the medical and mental health care she needed. A judge dismissed the initial complaint in 2024, but Hanchett’s attorneys filed an amended version, citing jail surveillance video.
According to the agreement, the $20 million settlement would resolve the county’s part of the case, but claims against Turn Key Health Clinics and other medical staff would remain.
KOCO reached out to Cleveland County, the attorneys representing the family and Turn Key Health for comment.
“Cleveland County’s settlement has no impact on the pending lawsuit involving TK Health. We can’t comment on pending litigation. However, TK Health was dismissed in the original lawsuit, and we remain committed to defending our organization,” Turn Key Health said in a statement.
>> Video Below: Norman community honors ‘Cookie Queen’ during candlelight vigil