Following the repeated instances of Black men being killed by police officers that have dominated news headlines over the past year, a new pattern has now emerged: high monetary settlements being offered to the families of the victims. But one mother has rejected such an offer in the hopes of keeping her son’s case alive.
Darrien Hunt, 22, was shot and killed by police officers in Saratoga Springs, Utah, last September. He was reported to be walking in a shopping mall wearing a Japanese anime costume and carrying a samurai sword. The shooting was deemed justified, citing that officers were responding to a possible threat to themselves or others due to the sword. The officers, Cpl. Matt Schauerhamer and officer Nicholas Judson, also alleged that Hunt lunged at them with the sword. However, Hunt’s family has since insisted that the blade was rounded and therefore could not be used as a weapon, and they do not believe Hunt lunged at the officers. An autopsy also shows that at least four of the six fatal bullets that hit Hunt were from behind.
Hunt’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officers responsible. The suit seeks $2 million in damages as well as the implementation of body cameras and use-of-force training for officers. When posed with a $900,000 settlement offer, Hunt’s mother, Susan Hunt, said she could consider it.
