Family of Botham Jean Awarded Nearly $100 Million in Civil Trial Against Amber Guyger

Jurors awarded the family of Botham Jean nearly $100 million in a civil trial against former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, five years after the tragic shooting of Jean in his own apartment.

The $98.65 million verdict includes $60 million in punitive damages and $38.6 million in compensatory damages, far exceeding the $54.4 million initially sought by the family. The jury determined that Guyger acted with malice or recklessness when she shot Jean, who posed no threat at the time.

“I think it was very important for this jury to send a message that Botham’s life is important,” said the family’s attorney, Daryl K. Washington. “What was important was holding Amber Guyger civilly liable for what she did to Botham.”

Botham’s parents, Bertram and Allison Jean, expressed relief at the verdict. “I am still heartbroken over the loss of my son,” said Bertram Jean. “Today, I think justice was served, and we are very thankful.”

In 2018, Guyger, off duty at the time, mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment at South Side Flats in Dallas, believing it was her own. She testified that she thought Jean was a burglar and fired two shots, killing him. Jean, unarmed, was eating ice cream when he was shot.

During the trial, experts testified that Jean posed no threat when he was killed. A crime scene reconstruction suggested Jean was standing up, not advancing toward Guyger as she had claimed.

In 2019, Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was denied parole in 2024 and is expected to remain incarcerated until 2029.

Jean, a native of Saint Lucia, was a rising star in his profession and a beloved member of his community. His family described him as an exceptional accountant and a worship leader who had dreams of one day running for Prime Minister in his home country.

The family’s attorneys emphasized that the awarded money would go toward initiatives reflecting Botham’s values. “This verdict sends a message that accountability matters, and his legacy will continue to inspire acts of service and kindness,” said attorney Benjamin Crump.