BREAKING: City Pays Family of Aaron Campbell $1.2 Million, Largest Payment Ever for Claim Against Police

Portland Mercury:

Jon SperryAaron Campbell was shot by an officer in the back two years ago. Two years and one week after Portland Police Officer Ron Frashour shot and killed Aaron Campbell, the city has settled with Campbell's family for $1.2 million. According to the family, this is the most money the city has ever paid out for a claim against the Portland Police Bureau. Officer Frashour was fired in November, though it's not clear whether the punishment will stick. Mayor Sam Adams sent out a brief statement formally apologizing to Campbell's family: "Today’s settlement does not erase the Campbell family’s pain, nor does it bring back their father, son, brother, and cousin—and for that, I am very sorry." Campbell's mother Marva Davis sent out a heart-wrenching letter about the settlement just minutes ago. Here's an excerpt and the whole thing (pdf):In truth it does not seem like enough for the losses we have suffered. We are grateful, however, that we will not have to relive the events of that awful time, and reopen those wounds again. We are also grateful for the support that we have received from family, friends and members of the community who have supported us throughout.
We take to heart that officer-involved shootings have gone down in Portland since Aaron was killed, and choose to believe that in some measure, losing him has made our community safer from those we've armed with guns, and entrusted with the community's safety.
However, this needs to be said. During the case, our attorneys uncovered some very troubling information regarding our police policies and practices. [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

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