Fort Worth, Texas, has reached a settlement to pay $3.5 million to Zion Carr, who witnessed the tragic police shooting of his aunt, Atatiana Jefferson, in 2019. The city officials have announced the settlement, which aims to compensate Zion for the traumatic experience he endured at a young age.

Zion, who was only 8 years old at the time, was visiting Jefferson's home and playing video games with her when then-Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean opened fire, resulting in the death of the 28-year-old. The incident occurred in response to a welfare check call made to the police.

According to a federal lawsuit filed by Zion's mother, Amber Carr, in 2021, witnessing his aunt's death caused Zion to suffer from immense anxiety, terror, and agony. The lawsuit claimed that Zion experienced severe mental and emotional distress as a result of the incident, holding the city responsible for his trauma. Sadly, two years after the lawsuit was filed, Jefferson's sister, Amber Carr, passed away after battling congestive heart failure.

Earlier this month, the city proposed a $3.5 million settlement, and on Tuesday, the Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved the payment. Councilman Chris Nettles expressed gratitude to Mayor Mattie Parker and the council for their efforts and emphasized the importance of ensuring that Zion can pursue the future his mother and aunt had envisioned for him, including his education.

The fatal shooting occurred on October 12, 2019, when Jefferson was babysitting Zion and playing video games at her home. Hearing a noise outside, she grabbed her legally owned gun for protection and approached a window to investigate, as stated in the lawsuit. The family asserts that Dean, who did not identify himself as a police officer, bypassed a gate to the home's backyard. Body camera footage released by the police showed Dean and his partner shining a flashlight through a window and demanding that Jefferson raise her hands shortly before she was shot.

The police officers had been responding to a welfare check requested by a concerned neighbor due to an open front door at Jefferson's home. The lawsuit clarified that the door was slightly ajar to allow a cool breeze inside.

Following the incident, Aaron Dean resigned from the police department and was charged with Jefferson's murder. Zion Carr testified during Dean's trial, which ultimately led to the former officer receiving a sentence of more than 11 years in prison last year.

The $3.5 million settlement will be distributed to Zion in various ways. It will cover living expenses, create a college savings plan, and provide scheduled payments until Zion reaches the age of 40, according to Deputy City Attorney Laetitia Coleman Brown. The majority of the settlement will be given to Zion later in life, as requested by his family, ensuring his well-being in the long term.

The city and Zion's family reached a mutual agreement to provide an amount that would support Zion until he turns 18, enabling him to pursue a college education and ensuring his ongoing care. The settlement aims to provide a foundation for Zion's future, emphasizing the importance of education and long-term financial security.

This settlement serves as a step towards justice and compensation for Zion Carr, who has endured significant emotional trauma as a result of witnessing the tragic shooting of his aunt. It highlights the commitment of the city to address the consequences of this incident and sends a message that the well-being of those affected by such tragedies remains a priority.