The North Charleston, S.C., City Council voted to authorize a $6.5 million settlement to the family of Walter Scott.
Scott’s death made international headlines in April, when white police officer Michael Slager shot Scott, who is Black, in the back as he was running away. The incident was caught on cellphone video. Scott was originally stopped for a broken brake light on his car.
The officer is being charged with murder and is being held without bail. No trial date has been set. If convicted, Slager could face 30 years to life in prison.
“I am glad the city and the family were able to reach a settlement without the necessity of a lawsuit,” said North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey. “This will allow us to move forward and focus on the issues our citizens have elected us to do, advance quality of life and make the future brighter for the citizens of North Charleston.”
Summey added that since Scott’s death, North Charleston has taken many positive steps over the past several months, including outfitting the police force with body cameras and engaging the Department of Justice Community Relations Liaison to begin meetings with the North Charleston Police Department and members of the community.
“The city of Charleston’s actions have ensured that Walter did not die in vain,” Scott’s brother Anthony said. “The city sent a message, loud and clear, that this type of reckless behavior will not be tolerated.”
Scott left behind four children, who will be beneficiaries of the settlement. The family said they plan to donate a portion of the settlement to Red Cross disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of the recent flooding to the area.
The settlement eliminates the need for a lawsuit.
