Federal judge approves $1.25M settlement in deputy killing of WA Black man
SEATTLE - A federal judge approved a $1.25 million settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit of Kevin Peterson Jr., who was shot dead by Clark County deputies after running from a drug sting in Oct. 2020.
U.S. District Court judge Barbara Rothstein approved the settlement on Tuesday, which was required by law, as one of the beneficiaries of the lawsuit—Peterson's young daughter—is a minor.
Peterson was shot 34 times by deputies during a drug arrest in 2020, and the case received national attention over the use of deadly force. Prosecutors declined to file charges against the officers, finding the use of force was ‘justified,’ as Peterson was armed and refused to drop his gun — although he did not use the gun against police, despite initial reports from the Clark County Sheriff after the shooting.
Kevin Peterson, Jr. (File / FOX 13)
Clark County moved to have the wrongful death suit dismissed, which was rejected by an appeals court in July.
"Kevin's family wanted justice, accountability, and changes in Clark County. This resolution is a big step in that direction," said attorney Mark Lindquist, who represented Peterson's family.
"After a long legal battle, this settlement represents a hard-earned victory for the Peterson family. We are grateful for the court’s approval, and we believe this outcome sends a clear message about the importance of accountability in law enforcement," said attorney Angus Lee, who also represented the family. "We trust that this case will lead to more meaningful discussions about police training, use of force, and ensuring justice for all."
MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE
New 2025 WA laws include minimum wage increase, expanded paid sick leave
26-year-old pedestrian killed in Puyallup, WA crash
Rumbles from WA's Mount Adams pulls scientists from ‘high-threat’ volcano
Bully repeatedly breaking family's windows in Tacoma
With WA billions in the hole in the coming years, some Democrats are weighing a wealth tax
Kokanee salmon return to Redmond by the thousands, largest numbers seen in 10 years
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.