The City of Kent announced that it has settled a lawsuit in the case of Giovonn Joseph-McDade for $4.4 million. According to reports, Joseph-McDade was shot and killed on June 24, 2017 by Kent Police officers “after a police pursuit and multiple attempts to stop Joseph-McDade’s vehicle.”
Joseph-McDade, a former student-athlete at Kent-Meridian High School student-athlete, who was 20 at the time, was pursuing an AA degree at Green River Community College, and, according to his family, had a bright future ahead of him.
Joseph-McDade died of multiple gunshot wounds after he reportedly tried to use his vehicle to run over a Kent police officer after a short pursuit on Kent’s East Hill that ended in a residential cul-de-sac.
“All loss of life is tragic regardless of the circumstances,” said Bailey Stober, Communications Manager for the City of Kent. “Our thoughts and condolences remain with the Joseph-McDade family. This settlement is a step in the right direction to bring closure to the family, the officers involved and the City as a whole. This case has been on-going for several years and it was in the best interest of all involved to resolve the matter.”
Additionally, at the family’s request, the City will design and install a bench in a city park to memorialize Joseph-McDade. “We maintain that the officers involved acted within Kent Police Department policies and Washington State law,” said Stober. “Investigations have been conducted, including assembling a King County inquest jury, and concluded confirming our officers acted within department policies, state law and the scope of their authority. This is a case that we were fully prepared to litigate and defend but recognize in the best interest of the family, the officers involved and our community we need to resolve the matter and attempt to bring closure to those involved.”
