Seattle to pay $1.5 million to slain woodcarver's family

KOMO ^ | 04/29/2011 | KOMO Staff

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

SEATTLE - The city of Seattle has reached a $1.5 million settlement of claims brought by the family of slain woodcarver John T. Williams, who was shot dead by Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk last August.

The settlement was reached after a mediation involving representatives of the John T. Williams estate, Williams’ mother and the city.

The Williams family, which earlier failed in its attempts to get criminal charges filed against Birk, expressed relief that the matter could be resolved early without extended and costly litigation.

"This is one step towards justice, but it is only a step. Nothing can make up for the loss of my brother," said Rick Williams, who is the administrator of the John T. Williams estate.

Under the agreement, $250,000 will go into a trust fund for Williams' mother, Ida Edward. The remaining $1.25 million will be placed into escrow while distribution issues are resolved and approved by the court.

[Ken H]

"Our Constitution explicitly restricts the power of our federal government; and our Bill of Rights guarantees that NO government may infringe upon our God given unalienable rights."

Jim Robinson

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[Impy]

Got to look at these on a case by case basis.

Cops are government agents, not gonna automatically give them the BOTD.

Some are heroes, some are ordinary working guys, some are bullies, some are hardly better than the gangbangers they do battle with.

I had an incident with one once. So did my dad about 15 years ago. Thankfully no one was shot!