Breonna Taylor's Family Grateful for Historic Settlement, Still Demands Criminal Charges

Breonna Taylor’s family and legal team are giving praise to the City of Louisville for reaching a historic settlement in her wrongful death case, but they’re making it crystal clear their mission’s not changed … they want full justice for Breonna, and for the cops who killed her to be arrested and charged.

Attorney Ben Crump says the huge financial settlement has helped assure that Breonna’s death won’t be swept under the rug like so many black women before her, but equally important is the comprehensive police reform to be instituted to prevent future tragedies like Breonna’s.

Crump claims the $12 million settlement is the largest amount ever for a Black woman in a wrongful death case involving police, and may be the largest ever for a Black person in America. He attributes the victory to all the people who have been protesting and fighting for justice.

The civil rights attorney calls it a “landmark step on the journey to justice,” but he’s not backing down from his demand that KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron immediately brings charges against the cops who shot and killed her. Crump says he wants charges this week -- at the very least, a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Crump says, “We want full justice, not just partial justice,” and is also calling for all charges to be dropped against nonviolent protesters who were arrested for demanding justice for Breonna.

Tamika Palmer, Breonna’s mother, echoed Crump's words by saying the settlement is just the beginning of getting full justice for her daughter … and it’s time to move forward with criminal charges.

Breonna’s mom says, “Her beautiful spirit and personality is working through all of us on the ground … please continue to say her name.”

Finally, Tamika Mallory from Until Freedom put the pressure on Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, challenging him to fire every police officer involved in Breonna’s death “on the spot” in the event that they aren’t charged by AG Cameron.

Earlier in the press conference, the Mayor listed off multiple facets of police reform to be implemented within the Louisville Metro PD as part of the settlement, including new programs to create positive community relations between citizens and cops … and social workers supporting police on certain calls.

Fischer also confirmed there will be major changes coming in how search warrants get approved, and new protocols for making sure cops are accountable for their actions, are properly investigated, and receive proper training. The mayor also confirmed the settlement amount of $12 million to Breonna’s estate.

News of the settlement in the case broke Tuesday morning, with reports the Louisville metro government had agreed to pay out millions of dollars and implement multiple reforms regarding law enforcement -- including a requirement that commanders approve all search warrants before they go to a judge.

As you know ... Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police officers on March 13 while they were executing a no-knock warrant.

Though no criminal charges have been brought against the cops who shot Breonna, her family sued the city in April.

Attorney Sam Aguilar has expressed frustration with the City's response to Breonna's case. As for the wrongful death settlement he says ... "the fact that they've been willing to sit down and talk significant reform was a step in the right direction and hopefully a turning point."

Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron has responded to public criticism about the investigation into the death of Breonna, saying it's ongoing and does not have to follow a specific timeline.

Cameron insists his office has "endeavored since day one to find the truth and pursue justice" and he's not working on a deadline ... but will make an announcement whenever the investigation concludes.