Breonna Taylor’s family will receive a $12 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit after she was fatally shot in her home by police six months ago.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer made the announcement Tuesday afternoon with Taylor’s family and attorneys present. Fischer said the city does not acknowledge any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
The settlement is the largest ever paid by Louisville police, and in addition to the payment, it includes police reform.
Some changes include the process for approving and executing warrants, hiring a team of social workers to accompany police officers, and an increase in drug and alcohol testing of officers involved in a shooting.
“Justice for Breonna means that we will continue to save lives in her honor,” said Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer. “No amount of money accomplishes that, but the police reform measures that we were able to get passed as a part of this settlement mean so much more to my family, our community, and to Breonna’s legacy.”
The Taylor family’s attorney Lonita Baker said the police reforms in the settlement are meant to”engage police officers within the community, not just when they’re dispatched,” Baker said.
The three officers involved in the March 13 shooting have not been arrested after breaking down 26-year-old Taylor’s apartment door to serve a no-knock search warrant. They opened fire after Taylor’s boyfriend grabbed his firearm because he thought someone was breaking into their home.
Her death sparked months of protests and Taylor’s family is still looking for criminal charges to be brought against the officers.
“It’s time to move forward with the criminal charges, because she deserves that and much more,” Taylor’s mother said. “Her beautiful spirit and personality is working through all of us on the ground, so please continue to say her name: Breonna Taylor.”
