CITY OFFICIALS CALL IT A “DIFFICULT BUT NECESSARY RESOLUTION” AS LEGAL BATTLE COMES TO AN END
San Diego’s City Council has approved a $30 million settlement for the family of a teenager killed by police, marking one of the city’s largest civil payouts.
San Diego city officials voted this week to approve a $30 million settlement for the family of a teenage boy who was fatally shot by police, ending a lengthy and emotionally charged legal dispute. The settlement is one of the largest civil agreements in San Diego’s history involving a police-use-of-force case.
According to court filings, the agreement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by the city or the police department. Instead, officials described the settlement as a financial resolution meant to avoid prolonged litigation and provide closure for the family involved.
The shooting occurred during an encounter in which officers responded to a reported disturbance. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation — including body-camera footage and witness accounts — became the subject of intense public debate and legal challenges. Prosecutors previously declined to file criminal charges against the officers, stating that evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution.
Civil-rights advocates say the settlement underscores the ongoing national conversation about policing, accountability and the financial impact of use-of-force cases on local governments. Supporters of the agreement argue that settling was necessary to prevent further strain on city resources and community trust.
City officials emphasized that the San Diego Police Department continues to evaluate policy improvements, including de-escalation training and oversight reviews, as part of broader reform efforts.
A final court approval step is expected in the coming weeks before distribution of settlement funds begins.
