The City of Fort Worth and the Estate of Atatiana Jefferson announced a proposed settlement that would pay $11.25 million to Jefferson’s family. Jefferson’s two nephews will have their portion of the funds placed in a trust until they reach the age of 18, according to the statement.<\/p>\n
The statement says the settlement will also resolve all civil claims related to Atatiana Jefferson’s death.<\/p>\n
“Atatiana Jefferson’s family and loved ones have suffered a profound and unimaginable loss,\u201d said Mayor Mattie Parker. \u201cWhile no settlement can undo the devastating impact of this tragedy, we hope this agreement offers a meaningful measure of closure and allows everyone to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The settlement will be presented to the Fort Worth City Council for consideration on Aug. 25; if approved, it will also remain subject to approval by the probate court before becoming final.<\/p>\n
“This case represents a rare instance in which a family has received accountability both criminally and civilly following the killing of their loved one by a police officer. The officer responsible for Atatiana\u2019s death was convicted and sentenced to prison, and now her family has reached a civil resolution with the City of Fort Worth,” said Ashley Carr, Jefferson’s sister in the written statement.<\/p>\n
In 2022, former Fort Worth Police officer Aaron Dean was convicted of manslaughter<\/a> and sentenced to prison time.<\/p>\n “For us, accountability has never been about a single verdict, sentence, or settlement. It has always been about ensuring that Atatiana\u2019s life mattered, that what happened to her was acknowledged, and that her life was remembered,” said Carr in the statement. <\/p>\n