Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was ordered to pay nearly $100 million to the family of Botham Jean, a Black man she fatally shot in his apartment in 2018. Guyger mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment, thinking it was hers, and shot him, believing he was an intruder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murder and fired from the Dallas Police Department. Following a civil trial, a federal jury found Guyger had used excessive force and acted under the color of law, ordering her to pay $98.6 million to Jean’s estate and his parents, including $60 million in punitive damages.
The family’s attorney, Daryl Washington, stated that the verdict sends a message against police brutality and may potentially save lives by making officers think twice before using deadly force. The ruling comes at a time when police killings in the U.S. are at a record high, with a significant racial disparity in those killed by law enforcement.
The lawsuit against Guyger also mentioned the city of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department for failing to implement policies that respected Jean’s constitutional rights. Jean’s family sought accountability from the city and police department for their role in the shooting.
Overall, the verdict in the civil trial against Guyger highlights the need for police reform and accountability in cases of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
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