CHARLOTTE -- The city of Charlotte reached a $2.25 million settlement with the family of Jonathan Ferrell in the civil lawsuit concerning his death, Mayor Dan Clodfelter announced at a news conference Thursday.

Ferrell, who was unarmed, was shot and killed in 2013 by CMPD Officer Randall Kerrick. Ferrell was shot 10 times. Kerrick faces voluntary manslaughter charges in connection with Ferrell’s death. His trial is expected to begin this summer.

The City Council unanimously approved the settlement, which resolves the Ferrell family’s claim against the city and Kerrick. The settlement contains no admission of fault.

“The city remains saddened by Mr. Ferrell’s death and sympathizes with his family,” Charlotte City Attorney Bob Hagemann said in a statement. “While we realize that money is an inadequate means of compensating Mr. Ferrell’s family, we feel that this was a fair and equitable settlement.”

“We should be thankful for the way the police department and citizens in the community sought each other out and joined together to work through the challenging circumstances that resulted from the tragedy involving Mr. Ferrell,” Clodfelter said. “Things could have happened differently; instead the events surrounding the case prompted an open, candid and wide-ranging community dialogue about difficult issues. Our men and women in uniform need the partnership of citizens and community leaders to do their jobs effectively. Our citizens need to know that those who serve them are willing to listen, to learn and to adjust when required to address concerns. We all need each other.”

Ferrell's mother, Georgia, also released a statement:

"It is with mixed emotions that we announce a settlement has been reached regarding our civil lawsuit against the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and City of Charlotte.  

We are grateful that this case has been resolved, but it is devastating to know that nothing we do will ever bring Jonathan back.  Our faith in God and the power of prayer are the only things that have gotten us through this tragic situation.  

Jonathan was the salt of the earth; an outstanding person who brought tremendous joy to so many. We remain hopeful that Jonathan’s death will ultimately result in permanent changes to law enforcement attitudes, policies and procedures-- not only within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, but within every other police department throughout the country.  

Jonathan’s death remains a tragedy of the highest order and our mission has always been to ensure that no other innocent person unnecessarily loses their life to police violence.  To help achieve this objective, part of the proceeds from this settlement will be used to launch the Justice for Jonathan Foundation, whose purpose is to help law enforcement and the community better understand one another.   

We wish to acknowledge the professionalism that Chief Rodney Monroe has demonstrated in handling the difficult circumstances of Jonathan's death. Chief Monroe acted swiftly and decisively once it became clear from the dash-cam video that the use of deadly force against Jonathan was not justified. We are appreciative of the respect he has shown our family throughout this process. 

Jonathan and our family have always had great respect for law enforcement. Jonathan's sister is a law enforcement officer so we know first-hand that the bad acts by one police officer should not tarnish the entire profession. 

We will now focus our attention on the upcoming criminal trial of Randall Kerrick. We have complete confidence in Attorney General Roy Cooper and Special Prosecutor Adren Harris, and know that they will do everything in their power to secure a conviction in this case. 

As always, we will never waver in our quest for justice for Jonathan and for all other victims of police misconduct."

 

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