North Texas

Arlington to Pay Family $850,000 for Fatal Shooting

A North Texas city will pay $850,000 to the family of an unarmed black college football player who was shot and killed by a white police officer responding to an August 2015 burglary call at a car dealership.

The Arlington City Council approved the settlement Tuesday evening following a claim filed by the family of 19-year-old Christian Taylor.

Taylor was seen in security footage vandalizing cars at the dealership and then crashing a car into the showroom.

He was shot by rookie officer Brad Miller, who claimed Taylor was advancing toward him.

Police Chief Will Johnson fired Miller days later, saying he used poor judgment. A grand jury last June declined to indict Miller.

Some may see the settlement as closure, but for Taylor's family, there is still frustration and anger.

"No amount of money can bring him back," said father Adrian Taylor Sr. "We got all sorts of crazy questions today like, 'Are you all happy with it, are you satisfied?' No. No, because who puts a price on a life?"

But the family is hoping some positive news can come from the settlement, planning to use the money for a foundation they started after their youngest son's death, called "Now I Am Christian Taylor." The goal is to build a community center in Christian's name in the future.

"We have to have good come out of this because we’ve lost a child and we can’t bring him back. Our job now is to make something good come of this," said mother Tina Taylor. 

Taylor played football at Angelo State University in San Angelo.

The city of Arlington released the following statement to NBC 5 after the settlement:

"This pre-suit settlement is not an admission of fault or liability. Rather, it is a mutually agreed upon resolution to this unfortunate incident which avoids personal and financial cost of litigation for all parties involved and dismisses any potential claims.

"The City of Arlington appreciates the efforts of the Taylor family and community to work together to reach a resolution."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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