Family of Alton Sterling Accept $4.5 Million Settlement From Baton Rouge

By Alyssa Wilson Published: June 14, 2021

Family of Alton Sterling Accept $4.5 Million Settlement From Baton Rouge

By: Alyssa Wilson

The family of Alton Sterling has accepted $4.5 million from the city of Baton Rouge after a long legal battle. According to WLOX, Baton Rouge’s mayor said the family ended their wrongful death lawsuit against the city and accepted the settlement.

“This settlement is an important step for our community. As we move forward, we can continue to focus on priorities within our community, and re-build a stronger foundation for Baton Rouge’s future, Mayor Sharon Broome said. “As a community, we must work together to implement changes in policy and in our community to ensure that no their families in Baton Rouge will endure this loss, trauma or heartbreak.”

Sterling, a 37-year-old father of five, was killed on July 5, 2016, by Baton Roue police officers. His death, recorded on video, sparked outrage and nationwide protests.

According to USA TODAY, Sterling’s children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, the police department, the former police chief and the two officers involved in his death in June 2017. The officer who shot Sterling was fired in March 2018.

Justin Bamberg, one of the attorneys representing the family of Alton Sterling, posted the following on Twitter: “This settlement, which was reached through hard work and collaboration between attorneys for Mr. Sterling’s family and the Baton Rouge City Council, will allow the city to heal and provide a pathway for Mr. Sterling’s children to be provided for financially.”

This settlement, which was reached through hard work and collaboration between attorneys for Mr. Sterling’s family and the Baton Rouge City Council, will allow the city to heal and provide a pathway for Mr. Sterling’s children to be provided for financially. pic.twitter.com/bxpzTAUTzv

— Justin Bamberg, Esq. (@JustinBamberg) June 11, 2021