Family of Man Killed by Cleveland Police Earns $1.5 million Settlement from City
Background
This was one of the most egregious police shootings in Cleveland history. Timothy Russell was driving with his friend Malissa Williams, both of whom had living in a homeless shelter, when the muffler of their car backfired. A police officer on the street thought the sound was a gunshot and notified dispatch. This led to a high-speed pursuit involving 60 police cars for 35 minutes. Russell and Williams were cornered at a school and could not escape. No weapon was seen and no evidence found they had a gun. Yet 13 officers fired a total of 137 shots into the vehicle, with one officer, Brelo, jumping on the hood and firing 49 bullets into the windshield.
Approach & Resolution
The case provoked outrage in the Black community, and resulted in the firing and discipline of the police officers involved, including the prosecution of five of the officers. One of them, Michael Brelo, was tried for murder, but acquitted by a judge. The case led to a consent decree with the Department of Justice, in which the City is still being monitored in an effort to reach multiple reforms.
In addition to the $1.5 million Russell’s family received, Williams’ family, which was represented by different attorneys, received $1.5 million as well.