A family in Akron, Ohio, has come to a settlement regarding a wrongful death lawsuit against the police after the tragic shooting of Jayland Walker, a Black man, during a police pursuit two years ago.
The agreement was made public through a joint filing in court on Tuesday, although specific details surrounding the terms of the settlement have not been revealed. The family’s representatives indicated that they would hold a news conference at a later date to address the specifics of the settlement, while city officials have chosen not to make any comments until a judge reviews and grants approval.
The family initiated the lawsuit in June 2023, seeking no less than $45 million in damages from officers, the city, and other involved parties. They contended that the officers displayed excessive force during the incident and accused the Akron police department of fostering “a culture of violence and racism.”
This legal action came shortly after a grand jury decided against indicting the officers involved in the fatal event. The identities of the officers involved have not been disclosed to the public.
Jayland Walker, who was 25 years old at the time of the incident, lost his life during a traffic stop on June 27, 2022. According to findings from a state investigation, Walker discharged a single shot from his vehicle and subsequently fled from the police, leaving the gun behind in his moving car.
The circumstances surrounding his death, particularly the shooting of another Black man during a traffic stop, have contributed to rising tensions between the community and law enforcement, sparking unrest throughout the city.
The police officers involved believed Walker posed a significant threat and thought he was armed when they discharged nearly 100 rounds in less than seven seconds, reacting to his refusal to comply and show his hands, as reported by the state investigation.
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