Breonna Taylor's Family Settles Civil Case For $12 Million

Months after the 26-year-old Breonna Taylor's death at the hands of US police, her family has agreed to a settlement of $12 million in the wrongful death suit with the city of Louisville, Kentucky, US.

Taylor, an unarmed African American woman was allegedly shot dead during a US police drug raid. Her death led to nationwide protests against racial injustice in America.

After the city of Louisville reached a $12 million settlement in Breonna Taylor's wrongful death lawsuit, Mayor Greg Fischer announces reforms to the city's police department, such as funding for social workers to accompany officers on certain calls https://t.co/DbL8IbnXtY pic.twitter.com/jLWcJ0gdur

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) September 15, 2020

Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer filed a civil lawsuit over her daughter's wrongful death, including how officers handled the situation. “Please continue to say her name,” Taylor's mother broke down at an emotional news conference. The city Mayor Greg Fischer announced the settlement, saying "I cannot begin to imagine Ms Palmer's pain, and I am deeply, deeply sorry for Breonna's death."

What actually happened?

Taylor was an emergency medical technician. She was reportedly killed in March when police entered her apartment at night using a so-called "no-knock" arrest warrant. The warrant is typically used by the police for drug bust cases in case of an emergency raid. This way evidence could not be destroyed upon their unannounced arrival.

Taylor was still in her bed when the police shot her several times. They found no drugs at her home and the killing sparked months of protests in the city.

Palmer said, "We must not lose focus on what the real job is, and with that being said, it's time to move forward with the criminal charges, because she deserves that and much more."

Subsequently, Palmer filed a lawsuit in April against three Louisville officers, accusing them of wrongfully causing her daughter's death. "We won't let Breonna Taylor's life be swept under the rug," said Ben Crump, an attorney for Taylor's family, on Tuesday.

But was justice served?

Talking about getting justice for her daughter, the grieving mother Palmer said, "As significant as today is, it's only the beginning of getting full justice for Breonna."

She further added, "We must not lose focus on what the real drive is, and with that being said, it's being time to move forward with the criminal charges, because she deserves that and much more."

"Her beautiful spirit and personality is working through all of us on the ground, so please continue to say her name: Breonna Taylor," Palmer expressed.

Feature Image Credit: Twitter

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