Jul 29, 2010
Plaintiffs in N.Y. Police Shooting Call Record $7 Million Settlement Fair
The fiancee of an unarmed man killed by police in a 50-bullet barrage and a friend who survived the shooting said Wednesday that a settlement of the federal civil lawsuit with New York City that topped $7 million was fair but not cause for celebration. The deal awards $3.25 million to the estate of Sean Bell, $3 million to Joseph Guzman and $900,000 to a third victim, Trent Benefield, minus 30 percent for legal fees. City officials confirmed that the settlement amount is the largest ever for a fatal police shooting.