<\/p>\n
James Smith holds up a sign for Atatiana Jefferson as a recusal hearing is happening on Judge David Hagerman\u2019s status in the Aaron Dean case Thursday, June 23, 2022, in Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
Yffy Yossifor<\/p>\n
yyossifor@star-telegram.com<\/p>\n
The City of Fort Worth has proposed an $11.25 million settlement with the family of Atatiana Jefferson, who was killed by one of the city\u2019s police officers in 2019,<\/a> according to a statement.<\/p>\n The settlement will \u201cresult in a complete dismissal and release\u201d of all civil claims asserted by all plaintiffs against all defendants as a result of Jefferson\u2019s death, officials said.<\/p>\n Pursuant to a family agreement, two of Jefferson\u2019s nephews will receive a greater share of the settlement than they otherwise would have, city officials said in the statement. The nephews are both minors, so the money will be placed in a trust for them until they turn 18.<\/p>\n Additional shares will be divided among Jefferson\u2019s surviving family members, according to the statement.<\/p>\n The proposed settlement will be presented to the Fort Worth City Council on Aug. 25 for consideration, officials said. If the council approves the settlement, the agreement remains subject to approval by a probate court before becoming final.<\/p>\n The city council in 2023 approved a $3.5 million settlement in a case filed on behalf of Jefferson\u2019s nephew Zion, who was 8 years old at the time of his aunt\u2019s killing, the Star-Telegram previously reported.<\/a> Zion witnessed the shooting and later testified in the murder trial of the officer, Aaron Dean.<\/p>\n The new settlement resolves a case filed on behalf of Jefferson\u2019s estate, according to the statement.<\/p>\n \u201cAtatiana Jefferson\u2019s family and loved ones have suffered a profound and unimaginable loss,\u201d Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. \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 Jefferson\u2019s sister Ashley Carr described the settlement as \u201ca rare instance in which a family has received accountability both criminally and civilly following the killing of their loved one by a police officer,\u201d according to the city\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither a conviction nor a financial settlement can restore what was taken from our family. Nothing can bring Atatiana home,\u201d Carr said. \u201cNo verdict, sentence, or settlement can replace our beloved Atatiana, a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend whose life was taken far too soon. We have carried that loss every day since October 12, 2019.\u201d<\/p>\n