A settlement has been reached between a Florida city and the family of a Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer in 2015.
Per a report from the Palm Beach Post, the City of Palm Beach Gardens has reached a $2 million settlement with the family of Corey Jones, who was shot and killed by city officer Nouman Raja in 2015. At the time of the shooting, per initial reports, Jones was waiting for roadside assistance after his car broke down. Raja is said to have been driving an unmarked vehicle when he stopped at the scene; furthermore, he was not in uniform and was ultimately determined to have never announced himself to Jones as a police officer.
The city was later sued by Jones’ family, who said that his constitutional rights had been violated in the fatal shooting. In a statement released last week, a settlement in the “full amount” covered by an insurance policy was confirmed.
When reached for comment by Complex on Monday, a city rep shared the following statement confirming the settlement:
“On February 23, 2023, the matter of Jones vs. Palm Beach Gardens was settled at mediation. Since 2016, the City’s insurance carrier has offered to pay the policy limit of $2 million to resolve all claims. As a result of the parties’ efforts, the Plaintiff chose to accept the policy limit of $2 million offered by the City’s insurance carrier as settlement of all claims against all defendants in this matter. The City has incurred no liability, financial or otherwise.”
“We remain sorrowful that the criminal actions of Officer Raja led to the senseless death of Corey Jones,” Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Chelsea Reed said in a statement also shared with Complex. “Although we cannot undo this tragic loss, it is our sincere hope that this settlement will aid in the continued healing of the family and our communities.”
The shooting spurred multiple investigations, including one led by the FBI. In March 2019, fired officer Nouman Raja was found guilty of charges including manslaughter and attempted murder in connection with killing Jones. The following month, Raja was sentenced to 25 years behind bars.
