VALLEJO, Calif. – The City of Vallejo has reached a $5 million settlement in the lawsuit filed by the family of Willie McCoy. McCoy, a 20-year-old rapper, was shot and killed by six officers from the Vallejo Police Department at a Taco Bell drive-through in 2019. The incident gained attention when officers fired 55 shots at McCoy, who was sleeping in a silver Mercedes.
The officers involved claimed they acted reasonably, but footage from body cameras showed no visible gun. McCoy’s family attorney, Melissa Nold, expressed her disappointment with the settlement, stating that money does not equate to justice for a murder. She vowed to continue fighting for a full investigation and prosecution of the officers involved.
This settlement comes in the wake of a badge bending scandal within the Vallejo Police Department. Officers were found to be bending their badges after being involved in fatal shootings while on duty. A former police captain who exposed this practice was awarded a $900,000 settlement from the city last fall.
The site of the tragic incident, where McCoy lost his life, has now been transformed into a Starbucks. It has become a sacred location for McCoy’s brother, Kori McCoy, who regards it as hallowed ground.
Following the shooting, Shawny Williams assumed the role of chief of police for the Vallejo Police Department. However, he resigned shortly after taking office due to a vote of no confidence from the police union. Deputy Chief Jason Ta is now serving as interim police chief.
Last summer, the Vallejo Police Department declared a state of emergency due to a critical shortage of officers. City documents revealed that only 34 officers were available to patrol the entire city, including supervisors.
In conclusion, the City of Vallejo has agreed to pay $5 million to settle the lawsuit brought by Willie McCoy’s family. McCoy, a rapper, was shot and killed by Vallejo police officers at a Taco Bell drive-through in 2019. The incident brought attention to allegations of misconduct within the police department, including a badge bending scandal. No charges were filed against the officers involved, although one was terminated for violating department policies. The settlement serves as a step towards closure for McCoy’s family, but they continue to push for further investigation and accountability.