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Family Of Man Killed By Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputies Settles Lawsuit
The family of a man who was shot to death by sheriff's deputies after they turned a dog on him during a standoff agreed to settle its wrongful death lawsuit against the county for $340,000, an attorney said.
Deondre Brunston's mother, Brenda Gaines, will receive $122,500, according to court papers.
His three children will each receive $72,500, said the family's attorney Luis Carrillo.
The county also will pay $105,000 in attorney's fees, he said.
Brunston, 23, was killed in Compton on August 24, 2003 after deputies responding to a domestic violence call found him on the porch of a home.
In a videotaped encounter, Brunston crouched on the porch with one hand hidden behind a pillar as if he had a gun. He also said he would surrender if he was put in touch with his pregnant girlfriend.
As emotions intensified, a police dog was released, and Brunston threw a sandal he had been holding in his hidden hand to the ground. Deputies began shooting, killing Brunston and the dog.
No gun was found on or near Brunston.
Brunston's mother, aunt and three young children sued, claiming civil rights violations, false arrest and 'negligent hiring, training and supervision' of deputies who fired the fatal shots.
The aunt's lawsuit, alleging false imprisonment, is scheduled for trial Tuesday, Carrillo said.