Introduction to the Settlement Offer
CHICAGO (WGN) — Members of the city’s finance committee on Friday blocked an offer to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Dexter Reed, a Chicago man killed by police during a traffic stop last year.
Members voted 12-15 in rejecting the proposed $1.25 million settlement. The family’s lawsuit argues that police officers had no right to stop Reed in the first place and then used excessive force when the first shot was fired.
Details of the Incident
An investigation and autopsy showed that plainclothes Chicago police officers fired their guns nearly 100 times at Reed, striking him 13 times. The settlement offer originally went up for a vote in February but was delayed due to division among alders. While some felt settling the suit would have been cheaper than trial costs, others felt the city shouldn’t settle because Reed allegedly fired at police first.
Reaction from City Officials
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) told WGN that without the settlement, the city will likely have to fight the case in court. The Chicago Tribune, citing a city attorney, put the cost at about $5 million for legal fees and up to $5 million more if the city fails to prevail. "It is truly shameful that we continue to pay millions of dollars in police misconduct cases. I think the responsibility is not just here in the settlements, but actually to provide policies, to prevent these issues to begin with," he said.
Implications of the Decision
The settlement was one of three considered Friday by the finance committee. By rejecting the settlement offer, the city may face significant financial and reputational consequences. The family of Dexter Reed may choose to pursue the case in court, which could lead to a lengthy and costly trial.
Conclusion
The decision by the city’s finance committee to reject the settlement offer in the case of Dexter Reed’s death at the hands of Chicago police has significant implications for the city and its residents. The city may face increased costs and reputational damage if the case goes to trial, and the family of Dexter Reed may continue to seek justice through the courts.
FAQs
- Q: How much was the proposed settlement offer?
- A: The proposed settlement offer was $1.25 million.
- Q: Why did the finance committee reject the settlement offer?
- A: The committee rejected the offer due to division among members, with some feeling that settling the suit would be cheaper than trial costs and others believing the city shouldn’t settle because Reed allegedly fired at police first.
- Q: What are the potential costs to the city if the case goes to trial?
- A: The city may face up to $5 million in legal fees and an additional $5 million if it fails to prevail in court.
- Q: What is the next step for the family of Dexter Reed?
- A: The family may choose to pursue the case in court, seeking justice and compensation for the death of their loved one.
