The family of Botham Jean, the Dallas resident who tragically lost his life in 2018 when a police officer mistakenly entered his apartment and shot him, received a significant award of $98.6 million from a jury on Wednesday, reflecting the profound impact of his death on the community.
In a heartfelt statement at a news conference following the civil trial’s verdict against Amber Guyger, the officer convicted of Jean’s murder, the family’s attorney, Daryl K. Washington, expressed their relief and commitment to pursuing justice. “We are very happy that this jury has spoken, and we are going to continue to work,” Washington declared, underscoring the importance of accountability in this case.
Washington further emphasized the responsibility of the city, stating, “The city of Dallas hired Amber Guyger. The city of Dallas was responsible for training Amber Guyger.” He criticized the city for its failure to uphold its duty: “On the night that Botham was killed, the city of Dallas and the police officers protected Amber Guyger. But yet, when you have a situation like this, they kick police officers under the bus and they run away from the liability.”
After the initial wrongful death claim was dismissed in 2020 by a federal judge who ruled that the lawsuit failed to establish a claim against the city of Dallas, the family was determined to pursue justice through other legal channels.
Guyger, who was dismissed from the Dallas Police Department shortly after the incident, was convicted of murder on October 1, 2019. During her trial, she testified that she mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment on the night of September 6, 2018, believing it was her own. Tragically, she fatally shot Jean while he was simply sitting on his couch, enjoying ice cream and watching television.
The civil trial against Guyger commenced on Monday, with the former officer opting not to have legal representation and failing to appear in court, according to reports from KDFW-TV in Dallas.
The legal team representing Jean’s family released a powerful statement on Wednesday, describing the verdict as a “powerful testament” to the “profound injustice of his death.” They articulated the circumstances of that fateful night: “On Sept. 6, 2018, Botham was doing nothing more than sitting in his own home, eating ice cream, when Amber Guyger –– an off-duty officer –– wrongly entered his apartment and fatally shot him.”
They emphasized the broader societal issues raised by the case, asserting, “This case laid bare critical issues of racial bias and police accountability that cannot be ignored. Today’s verdict sends a clear message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”
Jean’s murder ignited significant public outrage, prompting widespread protests that highlighted systemic issues of racial bias in policing. Protesters pointed out that law enforcement often employs excessive force against Black individuals, a sentiment echoed during Guyger’s trial when she contended her actions had nothing to do with race.
Guyger expressed her feelings of fear during the incident, saying, “I was scared this person inside my apartment was going to hurt me,” suggesting that her response was driven by fear and not hatred. Following her conviction, she received a ten-year prison sentence.
What were the key factors that led to the jury awarding $98.65 million to Botham Jean’s family?
**Interview with Daryl K. Washington, Attorney for the Family of Botham Jean**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Washington. The recent ruling by the jury awarding nearly $100 million to the family of Botham Jean is a significant milestone. Can you share your initial thoughts on the verdict?
**Daryl K. Washington:** Absolutely. We are profoundly relieved and grateful for this verdict. It sends a clear message that accountability matters, especially in cases involving law enforcement. The jury’s decision to award $98.65 million reflects the deep impact Botham’s death has had on his family and the broader community. This is a pivotal moment in our pursuit of justice.
**Host:** You’ve emphasized the responsibility of the city of Dallas in your statements. Can you elaborate on that?
**Daryl K. Washington:** Yes, the city had a crucial role in this tragedy. They hired Amber Guyger and were responsible for her training as a police officer. On the night Botham was killed, it is evident that the city and its police officers were more focused on protecting Guyger than on taking responsibility for a grave error. This highlights systemic issues within law enforcement that need addressing.
**Host:** Following the dismissal of the initial wrongful death claim in 2020, what strategies did you and the family focus on to secure this outcome?
**Daryl K. Washington:** Our team was determined to keep pursuing justice despite the setbacks. We explored every legal avenue available, and we focused on the civil suit as a way to hold not just Guyger accountable, but the city as well. It’s essential for families to know that even when faced with challenges, persistence can lead to justice.
**Host:** How do you think this verdict impacts the ongoing discussions about police accountability in the United States?
**Daryl K. Washington:** This verdict is significant; it contributes to ongoing dialog about police conduct and accountability. It sends a message that law enforcement cannot operate without accountability to the very communities they are supposed to protect. This case shines a light on the need for systemic reform within police departments across the nation.
**Host:** Lastly, what message do you have for those who continue to advocate for justice and police reform?
**Daryl K. Washington:** I want to encourage activists and community members to keep fighting for justice. The road can be long and challenging, but change is possible. Botham’s story should inspire us all to push for a future where accountability is standard, and no family has to endure similar tragedies.
**Host:** Thank you, Mr. Washington, for sharing your insights with us today. Your continued commitment to this cause is commendable.
**Daryl K. Washington:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep these conversations going, and I appreciate the platform to do so.