The family of a 20-year-old Black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer last year has reached a $3.25 million settlement after filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The young man was shot during a traffic stop in April 2021. The officer, a White woman, pulled the man over for expired tags and an air freshener hanging in the vehicle’s rear-view window. When she tried to arrest him for an outstanding warrant, the man to started driving away. The officer then pulled out a weapon and fired one shot at the man’s vehicle, which killed him.
Body camera footage later revealed the 26-year police veteran yelled “Taser” several times while she fired her weapon at the man.
The officer was found guilty of first and second degree manslaughter in December. She was sentenced to two years in prison in February.
Attorney’s for the man’s family announced the settlement with the city on Tuesday. It also calls for changes in law enforcement policies and training.
More about the settlement and case can be found here.
Opinion: The officer’s punishment certainly did not fit the crime. She could be released before reaching two years in prison. Changes to policies and training are a good start but Minnesota, like many states, need sweeping changes to its law enforcement departments to ensure fair community policing and legitimate public safety.
Blog dedicated to news and viewpoints from Black journalists who support, and inform, communities of color.
Original content, and curated articles, are posted and updated daily.