The sum will be divided over two years — $3 million in 2016 and $3 million in 2017.
"The City of Cleveland has agreed to payment of $6 million to settle the federal civil-rights lawsuit involving the tragic death of Tamir Rice," said one of the Rice family's lawyers, Subodh Chandra. "Although historic in financial terms, no amount of money can adequately compensate for the loss of a life. Tamir was 12 years old when police shot and killed him—a young boy with his entire life ahead of him, full of potential and promise.
"In a situation such as this, there is no such thing as closure or justice. Nothing will bring Tamir back. His unnecessary and premature death leaves a gaping hole for those who knew and loved him that can never be filled.
Regrettably, Tamir’s death is not an isolated event. The problem of police violence, especially in communities of color, is a crisis plaguing our nation. It is the Rice family's sincere hope that Tamir’s death will stimulate a movement for genuine change in our society and our nation’s policing so that no family ever has to suffer a tragedy such as this again."
The docket update in the civil case is below. The settlement will head to probate court to be finalized.
The parties have reached the following settlement, which is subject to approval by the Probate Court.
The City of Cleveland shall pay $6,000,000 to settle all claims by all
plaintiffs against all defendants. The City shall pay $3,000,000 in
2016 and $3,000,000 in 2017. The $6,000,000 settlement shall be
allocated as follows among the claims of the three plaintiffs: Claims of
the Estate of Tamir Rice: $5,500,000.00; Claims of Samaria Rice: $250,000;
Claims of T.R.: $250,000.00. There is no admission of wrongdoing, and
all plaintiffs will execute full releases against the City of Cleveland and
all individual defendants. The Court retains jurisdiction to ensure that
the Settlement Agreement is negotiated and agreed among all parties, and
is presented to the Probate Court for approval. Signed by Judge Dan Aaron
Polster on 4/25/2016.
