A Dallas jury has awarded nearly $100 million to the family of Botham Jean, a man tragically killed in his own apartment by a police officer who claimed she mistook his home for hers. This decision came after a federal civil trial that highlighted serious issues of police accountability and racial bias.
Back in 2018, Amber Guyger, then a Dallas police officer, returned home after a long shift. At least, that’s what she thought. Instead of walking into her third-floor apartment, she mistakenly went to Jean’s unit on the fourth floor. Guyger said she found the door unlocked, thought it was her apartment, and pulled out her gun. Inside, 26-year-old Jean, an accountant from St. Lucia, was simply enjoying a bowl of ice cream. In a heartbreaking moment, Guyger shot him, taking his life.
This week, the jury ruled that Guyger used excessive force, violated Jean’s constitutional rights, and must be held accountable. They decided on a massive $98.65 million verdict, a sum the Jean family says speaks volumes about the injustice of his death.
“This decision honors Botham’s life and highlights the critical issues of racial bias and police accountability,” the Jean family’s legal team said. They believe the verdict sends a clear message: no one is above the law, not even law enforcement officers.
The case grabbed national attention, not just because of its shocking circumstances, but because it became one of many examples of Black men being killed by white police officers. Guyger, who was fired from the Dallas Police Department, was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Just this fall, her request for parole was denied.
Jean’s family said the former officer’s decision not to participate in the civil trial showed a lack of accountability. During closing arguments, the family’s lawyers urged the jury to stand up for the safety of all Dallas County residents, emphasizing that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes.
This verdict is more than just a legal win for the Jean family—it’s a wake-up call for the entire nation. It serves as a reminder that justice must be sought, especially in cases where trust in law enforcement has been broken.
