New York City will pay over $7 million to settle a civil suit levied by the family of Sean Bell.
Bell was slain the night before his wedding in 2006 by New York City poli
ce.
A judge finalized the settlement yesterday in Brooklyn Federal Court, which also outlined the terms of the deal.
Sean Bell’s estate will receive $3.25 million. Also, Joseph Guzman, a friend of Bell that was wounded too, will get $3 million. Trent Benefield, another friend wounded in the hail of police bullets will get $900,000.
Police shot more than 50 bullets at Bell and his friends when the men were out celebrating after his bachelor party. The police were both plainclothes and uniformed.
“The Seal Bell shooting highlighted the complexities our dedicated officers must face each day.” Michael Cardozo, the city’s corporation counsel. “The city regrets the loss of life in this tragic case, and we share our deepest condolences with the Bell family.”
“We hope that all the parties can find some measure of closure by this settlement,” he concluded.
