Fort Worth proposes $11.25 million settlement with estate of Atatiana Jefferson

Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Aug 11, 2026

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FORT WORTH, Texas — The City of Fort Worth has proposed an $11.25 million settlement with the family of Atatiana Jefferson, who was killed by one of the city’s police officers in 2019, according to a statement.

The settlement will “result in a complete dismissal and release” of all civil claims asserted by all plaintiffs against all defendants as a result of Jefferson’s death, officials said.

Pursuant to a family agreement, two of Jefferson’s nephews will receive a greater share of the settlement than they otherwise would have, city officials said in the statement. The nephews are both minors, so the money will be placed in a trust for them until they turn 18.

Additional shares will be divided among Jefferson’s surviving family members, according to the statement.

The proposed settlement will be presented to the Fort Worth City Council on Aug. 25 for consideration, officials said. If the council approves the settlement, the agreement remains subject to approval by a probate court before becoming final.

The city council in 2023 approved a $3.5 million settlement in a case filed on behalf of Jefferson’s nephew Zion, who was 8 years old at the time of his aunt’s killing, the Star-Telegram previously reported. Zion witnessed the shooting and later testified in the murder trial of the officer, Aaron Dean.

The new settlement resolves a case filed on behalf of Jefferson’s estate, according to the statement.

“Atatiana Jefferson’s family and loved ones have suffered a profound and unimaginable loss,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “While no settlement can undo the devastating impact of this tragedy, we hope this agreement offers a meaningful measure of closure and allows everyone to move forward.”

Jefferson’s sister Ashley Carr described the settlement as “a rare instance in which a family has received accountability both criminally and civilly following the killing of their loved one by a police officer,” according to the city’s statement.

“Neither a conviction nor a financial settlement can restore what was taken from our family. Nothing can bring Atatiana home,” Carr said. “No verdict, sentence, or settlement can replace our beloved Atatiana, a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend whose life was taken far too soon. We have carried that loss every day since October 12, 2019.”