The family of Samuel Dubose, a black Ohio man killed by a university police officer, agreed for $5.3 M with University of Cincinnati. They settled his wrongful death lawsuit out of court.
Cincinnati.com reported that under the settlement announced on Monday, the university will pay the family $4.85 million in monetary compensation. It will also provide free undergraduate tuition to Dubose's 12 children. They will post an extended of the official apology. The University will also establish an on-campus memorial. Lastly, they will invite family members of Dubose to participate in community advisory committee meetings
The healing process of the family is more important said the family on Martin Luther King Day after the agreement was done. The Dubose family attorney Mark O'Mara said the matter remains that no one can bring back Sam DuBose.
According to The Root, the 43 year old black man was shot in the head during a traffic stop. He does not have a license plate and former University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing fatally shot him. The whole incident was captured on video. Tensing, who is white, was charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter and pleaded not guilty. The case is not starting in court yet.
Bizjournals stated that an attorney said the university and Dubose family should cooperate with each other to provide a better environment for everybody. They should work together to reduce crimes like this one. Attorney Billy Martin added that "The example here demonstrates to communities hurting all over the country that positive results can be achieved through this type of cooperation."
The university acknowledged in September that the shooting was avoidable. They added that Tensing used despicable judgment. The agreement must be approved by the Hamilton County Probate Court. The discussions about settlements started in the fall. The university will also carry on their improvement of its police department and formed new positions for officials to supervise the procedure.
