Fort Worth to pay $11.25M settlement to Atatiana Jefferson's family

The city of Fort Worth is preparing to pay an $11.25 million settlement to the family of Atatiana Jefferson. The proposed agreement aims to resolve remaining civil claims following the 2019 shooting of Jefferson by police officer Aaron Dean.

Jefferson was killed in October 2019 when Dean entered her backyard while responding to a call. Dean testified that he believed he was confronting a burglar and fired after seeing what he thought was a weapon, but the victim was Jefferson, who had grabbed a firearm after hearing someone outside. Dean was subsequently convicted of manslaughter and is currently serving a prison sentence.

The settlement funds are expected to be distributed primarily to Jefferson’s two young nephews, with the money held in trust until they reach age 18. The Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to consider the settlement on August 25, which must then receive approval from a probate court to become final.