© 2024 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Family Of Man Shot In Beavercreek Walmart Settles Suit With City

Wayne Baker
/
WYSO

The family of a black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer in an Ohio Walmart store has settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the city.

Beavercreek Police officer Sean Williams shot John Crawford III, 22, soon after he picked up an unpackaged pellet rifle that he found on a store shelf in August 2014.

The police department says Williams was reacting to a 911 call that a man inside the store was carrying a rifle.

The family's lawyer, Michael Wright, says the city and Crawford family reached a $1.7 million settlement agreement and police policy changes.

Wright says the family intends to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit against Walmart, which is scheduled to go to trial on November 2.

“I guess it’s somewhat bittersweet for the family,” says Wright. “They're happy that one portion of this case is being resolved. They’re still fighting for justice for their son. You know, this has been a pretty long fight for the family.”

A federal grand jury declined to indict Williams in the case. Beavercreek officials say the settlement is not an acknowledgment of liability but say they reached the agreement for the family.

Jerry Kenney was introduced to WYSO by a friend and within a year of first tuning in became an avid listener and supporter. He began volunteering at the station in 1991 and began hosting Alpha Rhythms in February of 1992. Jerry joined the WYSO staff in 2007 as a host of All Things Considered and soon transitioned into hosting Morning Edition. In addition to now hosting All Things Considered, Jerry is the host and producer of WYSO Weekend, WYSO's weekly news and arts magazine. He has also produced several radio dramas for WYSO in collaboration with local theater companies. Jerry has won several Ohio AP awards as well as an award from PRINDI for his work with the WYSO news department. Jerry says that the best part of his job is being able to talk to people in the community and share their experiences with WYSO listeners.
Related Content