Phoenix City Council to Decide on Major Settlement in Police Wrongful Death Case
The upcoming decision by the Phoenix City Council could result in a $1.2 million settlement following the tragic death of Henry Rivera, who was mistakenly shot by police in 2019. This vote, set for Wednesday, comes as part of a wrongful death lawsuit against the city’s police department.
Should the council approve, the settlement funds are intended to support Rivera’s four young children, who were nearly homeless prior to the incident. Rivera had recently found employment as a handyman at a hotel, marking a turning point for his family’s stability.
Concurrently, Phoenix police were on the hunt for a suspect involved in a double murder. Acting on a tip, officers converged at the hotel where Rivera worked. In a state of fear, Rivera fled, allegedly stealing a vehicle before attempting to surrender. However, officers shot him in the back without confirming his identity.
The actual murder suspect was apprehended just days following Rivera’s death, highlighting a grave error in the police operation.
Rising Tensions Over Police Conduct
Concern over officer-involved shootings in Phoenix has surged under new Police Chief Matt Giordano. In response, Chief Giordano has publicly acknowledged the issue and introduced a series of reforms aimed at reducing such incidents.
As tensions mount, activist groups are organizing a news conference to coincide with the council meeting. They aim to press for accountability amid a troubling pattern of police shootings in the city.
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