DALLAS — In a significant ruling, the family of Botham Jean, a man fatally shot by former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger in 2018, received nearly $100 million from a federal jury on Wednesday. The jury found that Guyger had employed excessive force, violating Jean’s constitutional rights. The verdict, announced after a three-day trial, resulted in a total award of $98.65 million against her.

The legal team for Jean’s family expressed their relief, stating, “This verdict stands as a powerful testament to Botham’s life and the profound injustice of his death. This case laid bare critical issues of racial bias and police accountability that cannot be ignored. Today’s verdict sends a clear message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”

The incident occurred when Guyger, after completing a long shift, mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment, which was situated directly above hers on the third floor. She claimed that she believed she was in her own home when she drew her firearm and confronted Jean. It was reported that Jean was simply eating ice cream at the time when he was shot.

Following the tragic event, Guyger was terminated from the Dallas Police Department, convicted of murder, and subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison. Recent reports indicate that she was denied parole earlier this fall.

The circumstances of the shooting garnered considerable public attention, particularly as it was among several incidents involving Black men being shot by white police officers. In their closing arguments, Jean’s family attorneys urged the jury to deliver a verdict that would ensure Dallas County residents could feel secure within their own homes.

Notably, Guyger chose not to participate in the trial, which the Jean family argued illustrated a troubling lack of accountability for her actions.