Dallas, Texas – A Dallas jury has concluded that Amber Guyger, a former Dallas police officer, must pay $98 million to the family of Botham Jean for killing him in his own home in 2018. This decision arrives five years after Guyger received a 10-year prison sentence for the incident, which stemmed from what the jury deemed “malice, willfulness, or callous and reckless indifference” to Jean’s safety.
The jury awarded $60 million in punitive damages and an additional $38 million in compensatory damages for mental anguish, loss of earnings, and other claims. Initially, Jean’s family had sought $54 million. The family described the jury’s decision as a “powerful testament to Botham’s life and the profound injustice of his death,” highlighting systemic issues of racial bias and the need for greater accountability in law enforcement.
Their statement emphasized, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”
Guyger’s fatal error occurred on Sept. 6, 2018, when she entered Jean’s apartment, one floor above her own, after a 13 ½ hour work shift, mistaking it for her residence. At the time, Jean was sitting in his living room eating vanilla ice cream. Guyger testified during her criminal trial that she believed Jean was advancing towards her and ignored her commands, prompting her to shoot. “I never wanted to take an innocent person’s life. I’m so sorry,” she said, characterizing her actions as driven by fear rather than hate.
Despite the magnitude of the lawsuit, Guyger did not attend the civil hearing, claiming financial inability to hire legal representation and choosing to waive her right to appear. This decision was met with disdain from Jean’s family and their lawyers, with their attorney Daryl Washington condemning her absence as an “insult.” The specifics of how Guyger will manage the financial compensation amid her incarceration remain unclear, though Jean’s legal team insists that the lawsuit was more about accountability than monetary gain.
Washington stressed, “We want to make sure when Amber Guyger is released from prison that she will not return to a normal life or be able to capitalize on any notoriety gained from this case.”
Botham Jean, originally from St. Lucia, had made his home in Dallas where he worked as an accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, harboring aspirations of becoming a partner. His mother, Allison Jean, has vowed to keep his memory alive through a foundation set up in his name. Reflecting on the city her son loved, she stated, “He came to Dallas, a city which he loved, but Dallas was unkind to him.” She urged urban communities to value their residents demonstrably, through just laws and equitable treatment.
The loss of Botham Jean and the subsequent legal battles serve as a stark reminder of ongoing challenges in the intersections of race, justice, and policiing in America. His family hopes that his legacy will foster change and better understanding in society.
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