The Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a $11.25 million settlement for the family of Atatiana Jefferson. The agreement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her estate against the city and its police department.
Jefferson, a 28-year-old Black woman, was killed in October 2019 after Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean shot her through a window at her home. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. when officers responded to a nonemergency call regarding an open door.
Jefferson, who had been playing video games with her eight-year-old nephew, retrieved her firearm upon hearing someone outside and did not identify herself as law enforcement.
Under the terms of the approved agreement, portions of the settlement designated for Jefferson’s two minor nephews will be held in trust until they reach adulthood. Additional funds will be distributed to other surviving family members. Following the council's vote, the deal must be finalized by a probate court.
Mayor Mattie Parker announced the agreement earlier this month, nearly seven years after the shooting. In a statement released on Aug. 14, Parker noted the profound loss suffered by Jefferson’s loved ones and expressed hope that the settlement would provide closure.
Ashley Carr, Jefferson’s sister, welcomed the resolution in a statement to ABC News. She described the case as a rare example of a family receiving both criminal and civil accountability following a police killing. Carr emphasized that such outcomes are uncommon and should not be taken for granted.
