Settlement Approved
The Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved an $11.25 million settlement with the Estate of Atatiana Jefferson on Tuesday, nearly seven years after former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean fatally shot her in her home. The agreement, which still requires probate court approval before becoming final, resolves all civil claims tied to Jefferson's death.
Mayor Mattie Parker said that Jefferson's family and loved ones have suffered a "profound and unimaginable loss." In a statement, she added, "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."
Attorney John J. Coyle, representing the family, said the settlement represents an important measure of accountability. "Atatiana Jefferson's death was a profound tragedy that never should have happened," Coyle said. "She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend - a young woman with a bright future whose life was taken far too soon." Co-counsel S. Lee Merritt added, "Atatiana's death was a tragedy that reached far beyond her family - it shook Fort Worth and every community that understands a home should be the safest place a Black woman can be."
Jefferson's sister, Ashley Carr, said, "Neither a conviction nor a financial settlement can restore what was taken from our family. Nothing can bring Atatiana home."
Settlement Details
According to a recent city news release, Jefferson's two young nephews will receive the largest portions of the settlement, held in trust until they turn 18. The remaining funds will be shared among other family members. Two of the nephews are the sons of Zion Carr, who was 8 years old when the shooting occurred and who was present during the incident. In 2023, the city finalized a separate $3.5 million settlement for Zion Carr.
Jefferson's family recently emphasized the rarity of receiving both criminal and civil accountability in police-involved deaths and reaffirmed their commitment to honoring her legacy through The Atatiana Project, which has become a "force for positive change," according to Coyle.
The Shooting and Trial
In October 2019, Jefferson was fatally shot in her home. A neighbor had called for a welfare check after seeing her front door open. Jefferson had opened the door to air out smoke from cooking burgers and was playing video games with her nephew, Zion Carr. When she heard noise outside, she grabbed her firearm and went to a side window overlooking the darkened yard. Dean, who was making his way around the house, spotted her through open curtains and shot her.
Dean resigned in the following days before being arrested. He was originally charged with murder, but the judge asked jurors to consider the lesser charge. During his trial, Dean testified that he shot Jefferson after entering her backyard on an "open structure" call, believing he was confronting a burglar. He said he saw a figure through a window and fired once after seeing what he thought was a gun. Jefferson's nephew testified that she had grabbed her firearm after hearing someone outside. Prosecutors challenged Dean's actions, including his failure to perform CPR.
Dean's attorney argued self-defense, saying, "The state cannot prove to you beyond a reasonable doubt that this was not self-defense." A prosecutor countered, "When you put on that badge, and you put on that uniform, you say you're going to serve and protect us all. That means her too."
In 2022, Dean was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years in prison. He is currently serving nearly 12 years.
Neighbor James Smith, who attended the hearing, wore a button bearing Jefferson's face and said, "This button is a reflection of a vision in my mind that will probably never leave. You can't see it, but that's why I wear the button. So, she can be seen and remembered in the city of Fort Worth."
At the time of the settlement, Atlanta Black Star reported that Ashley Carr expressed interest in discussing the case further after the settlement was approved.