Jefferson’s family says they were shut out of settlement discussions and argues that Atatiana’s biological father, who lives in Nigeria, should not receive a share
FORT WORTH, Texas — A dispute over who should receive part of an $11.25 million settlement stemming from the 2019 police killing of Atatiana Jefferson is adding another painful chapter to her family’s story.
Noella Jefferson says the recent legal fight has forced her to relive the loss of Atatiana — and the death of her husband, Marquis Jefferson, 28 days later.
“It’s been a reliving of the entire nightmare of losing Atatiana and what it cost my husband,” said Mrs. Noella Jefferson.
Marquis was not Atatiana’s biological father, but Noella Jefferson describes him as her “legal father.” Documents provided to WFAA show Marquis’ name on Atatiana’s birth certificate. Jefferson also says her husband cared for Atatiana and paid child support.
“He loved his daughter. He had a daughter in his life and made it clear,” said Mrs. Jefferson. “Atatiana needed to have a stable environment; Marquis brought her here.”
The issue matters because the City of Fort Worth is set to pay an $11.25 million settlement split between the families.
“It’s not even about the settlement. It’s about what’s right,” said Bruce Carter, spokesman for the Marquis Jefferson estate.
Jefferson’s family says they were shut out of settlement discussions and argues that Atatiana’s biological father, Jerome Eschor, who lives in Nigeria, should not receive a share.
“I haven’t seen him fight for nothing but money. To me, he’s worthy of zero. We’re gonna fight for Mister Jefferson because of what he did,” said Carter.
Attorney Tanika J. Solomon, representing biological father Jerome Eschor, says a probate court has already dismissed those claims.
“This current attempt is disrespectful, unfounded, and a strange attempt to garner money they are not entitled to under any legal theory. This news is a grotesque attempt to extort fame and fortune from the suffering of a grieving family.”
The City of Fort Worth said: “The parties are still in the process of finalizing the settlement agreement. No settlement funds have been disbursed, and the agreement remains subject to approval by the Tarrant County Probate Court.”
The Jefferson family plans to ask the court to pause the settlement payments while the dispute is resolved.
“To have misrepresented and not have placed him anywhere, deliberately I think, in her life was such an injustice and a cruelty,” said Noella.
It is a complex and messy chapter in an already tragic story.
WFAA has also reached out to attorneys representing the Carr family and is awaiting a response.