A Cook County jury has awarded $8.5 million in damages to the mother of an 18-year-old shot in the back and killed by a Chicago, Ill., police officer.
Aaron Harrison’s death in 2007 helped focus public scrutiny on allegations of police misconduct.
Jurors’ decision late Thursday suggests they accepted Harrison was unarmed and that someone planted a gun next to him after he fell.
The law firm representing the family, Cochran & Montgomery, said Friday the decision “vindicates” those who long asserted Harrison was a victim.
Officer John Fitzgerald contended he fired when Harrison pulled a gun as he sought to elude police. The Independent Police Review Authority in 2009 found the shooting justified.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Credit Suisse Nazi Probe Reveals Fresh SS Ties, Senator Says 
LA County Told to Pause $4B in Abuse Payouts as DA Probes Fraud Claims 
China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles in World-First Safety Policy 
Portugal Rolls Out $2.9 Billion Aid as Deadly Flooding Spreads 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.