DALLAS — The household of a person shot and killed by a Dallas police officer who stated she mistook his residence for her personal was awarded practically $100 million Wednesday in a federal civil trial.
The jury discovered after a three-day trial that ex-officer Amber Guyger used extreme power within the demise of Botham Jean in 2018 and violated his constitutional rights. Jurors returned a verdict towards her of $98.65 million.
“This verdict stands as a robust testomony to Botham’s life and the profound injustice of his demise,” a press release from Jean’s household’s authorized workforce stated. “This case laid naked essential problems with racial bias and police accountability that can’t be ignored. At present’s verdict sends a transparent message that regulation enforcement officers who commit crimes can’t be insulated from the implications of their actions.”
Guyger stated on the time that after a protracted work shift, she walked to Jean’s residence – which was on the fourth flooring, instantly above hers on the third – and located the door unlocked. She stated she thought the residence was her personal when she drew her gun and entered.
Jean, an accountant from the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia, had been consuming a bowl of ice cream when Guyger entered his residence and shot him.
Guyger was later fired from the Dallas Police Division, discovered responsible of homicide and sentenced to 10 years in jail. She was denied parole earlier this fall, media retailers reported.
The taking pictures drew widespread consideration due to the circumstances surrounding it and since it was one in every of a number of shootings of Black males by white law enforcement officials.
Throughout closing arguments, attorneys for Jean’s household requested the jury to ship a message that Dallas County residents “are going to be secure in our houses,” The Dallas Morning Information reported.
Guyger waived her proper to take part within the trial, in keeping with courtroom filings, which the household stated confirmed an absence of accountability for her actions.
Copyright © 2024 by The Related Press. All Rights Reserved.
