The family of Charleena Lyles, a pregnant Black mother of four, who was shot and killed in her home in 2017 Seattle, Washington has agreed to a $3.5 million wrongful death settlement. The civil case was set to go to trial next February, however the sides settled Monday, according to a news release from the lawyers representing Lyles’ family. CNN reports the settlement includes payment and the dismissal of officers Steven McNew and Jason Anderson within the next week.
McNew and Anderson responded to a robbery call Lyles made, reporting a burglary at her home in 2017. The mother told police she had been out, and when she got back, she found her door open and items missing from her apartment.
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The officers called for backup saying “We need help,” describing a woman with two knives threatening the officers repeatedly before shots were heard. The officers performed first aid on Lyles until the fire department got to the scene, but she died. Three of Lyles’ children were in the home at the time of the shooting
“It is indisputable that this has been a tragedy, and we are glad to have some level of closure for the parties,” Dan Nolte, a spokesperson for Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, said in a statement. “We stand by the multiple layers of review of this event and are pleased that the officers will be dismissed from the lawsuit. The remaining parties will be mutually seeking judicial approval for a resolution of all claims.”
Attorney Karen Clark, represented Lyles’ children, called the mother’s death a moral outrage.
“I am thankful that the City has settled this case … her killing should never have happened,” Clark said. “What happened to Charleena in her own home when she called for help — was a moral outrage. May the City and our community begin the healing process.”
