$98.65 million historic verdict secured in civil lawsuit against former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger

Justice served for the family of Botham Jean

Dallas (November 20, 2024) – A US District Court for the Northern District of Texas jury returned a historic verdict today for the family of Botham Jean against former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger. The jury found that Guyger used excessive force and was acting in her capacity as an officer while applying deadly force that violated Jean’s civil rights when she entered Jean’s apartment, located a floor above hers, and shot and killed him. The jury awarded more than $98.65 million in damages to Jean’s estate for his pain, loss of life and loss of earnings; for his mother’s loss of relationship; his father’s loss of relationship; and for punitive damages. This is one of the largest civil rights verdicts ever awarded in the United States.

On September 6, 2018, Botham Jean, 26, was sitting on his couch watching football and eating ice cream inside his Dallas apartment when Guyger drove back to the apartments where she also lived. She was carrying her vest and had her gun arm free to grab her firearm.

She went to Jean’s apartment, located on the fourth floor of the building, a floor above Guyger’s home. After attempting to unlock the door to the unit, Guyger saw that the door hadn’t fully clasped closed, and she went into the apartment. Guyger saw Jean sitting in the living room and she responded by unholstering her weapon and shooting Jean in the chest. Jean, who was unarmed and in his own home, was taken by paramedics to a hospital and died from the wounds and damage from the bullet.

Guyger was arrested a few days later and the Dallas Police Department fired her on September 24, 2018. She was found guilty of murder by a jury on October 1, 2019, and was sentenced the next day to 10 years in prison.

“While no result can bring Botham Jean back to his family, we are proud to provide them with some semblance of justice today,” noted Romanucci & Blandin Partner and lead trial attorney Bhavani K. Raveendran. “Guyger has now rightfully been found guilty in criminal court and liable in civil court for Botham’s unnecessary, tragic and preventable death.”

“We are thankful for the jury seeing what we saw in Botham,” said attorney Daryl K. Washington. “The jury sent a message that victims of police brutality matter.”

“This verdict stands as a powerful testament to Botham’s life and the profound injustice of his death,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump. “On September 6, 2018, Botham was doing nothing more than sitting in his own home, eating ice cream, when Amber Guyger –– an off-duty officer –– wrongly entered his apartment and fatally shot him. This case laid bare critical issues of racial bias and police accountability that cannot be ignored. Today’s verdict sends a clear message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”

Jean’s family was represented at trial by Romanucci & Blandin Partner Bhavani K. Raveendran and Attorney Colton M. Johnson Taylor with co-counsel Daryl K. Washington of Washington Law Firm and Benjamin L. Crump, Brooke Cluse and Gabrielle Higgins of Ben Crump Law. Romanucci & Blandin Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci and Paralegal Alexis Johnson played a significant role in this case.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion million in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.

About Ben Crump Law

Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and his national network of specialized attorneys have spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more, visit BenCrump.com or call (800) 935-8111.

About Washington Law Firm

The Washington Law Firm, P.C. is committed to providing its clients with the best management and legal representation available while also providing the level of personal attention and attention to detail that our clients expect and deserve. For more, please visit https://dwashlawfirm.com/ or call (214) 880-4883