Yesterday, news broke of a settlement between the City of Fort Worth and the family of Atatiana Jefferson. Jefferson was killed in October 2019 when former Fort Worth police officer responding to a welfare check shot her through a window in her home. This case has hung over Fort Worth like overcast skies since. Public trust in elected officials and law enforcement remains strained. This news came as a sigh of relief for citizens of Fort Worth. The news comes as many feel that for the first time in a long time that the city has finally been held accountable for the unjust death of a citizen. A Tarrant County jury found Aaron Dean guilty of manslaughter and sentenced him to 11 years and 10 months in prison for killing Atatiana Jefferson.
At a 2021 town hall, Amber Carr told The SMG Report that losing a loved one to police violence has far -reaching effects that either bring on or exacerbate existing health conditions. Since Jefferson’s death, Yolanda Carr (Atatiana’s mother who was hospitalized when she was killed), Amber Carr, and Marquise Carr have all died. Gwen Carr reminded the public that their loved ones are “More than a hashtag.” Though the case plays out in the court of public opinion long before it ever sees an actual courtroom, families deal with trauma of loss daily and in ways the public may never see or understand. While the city council approved a proposed $11.25 million settlement with the Carr/Jefferson family, a motion to authorize another $100,000 in legal fees to lawyers representing Dean passed 7-4. Opposition came from council members aiming to force reconsideration at the state level. Another instance of inseparability of joy and pain in cases like these. Any appeals by Aaron Dean will be funded by taxpayers as will be the payout of the settlement.
This is a victory nonetheless. The waves of victory have ebbed and flowed, leading up to the announcement of the settlement. In 2021, after community efforts led by James Smith (the neighbor who made the welfare call to the police) and city leadership, Allen Avenue was renamed in honor of Atatiana Jefferson. City councilman Chris Nettles made good on a campaign promise and renamed the Hillside Community Center in honor of Jefferson. Aaron Dean’s conviction in 2022 was an instance of justice, but many felt that the charge and sentence was insufficient. With this settlement, a painful chapter has hopefully come to a close.
Don’t forget to Pull Up for Tay October 9-11, 2026. More details for this year’s events are on the way, so make plans to be there for all three days.
The SMG Report is pleased to share the press release with details of the settlement and statements from city leadership, the Jefferson family and their legal representation. Read the press release from the City of Fort Worth, below.
The City of Fort Worth and the Estate of Atatiana Jefferson have reached a proposed settlement that will resolve the civil claims related to the tragic death of Atatiana Jefferson. The settlement will result in a complete dismissal and release of all claims asserted by all plaintiffs against all defendants.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement agreement, the City of Fort Worth will pay $11.25 million to Ms. Jefferson’s family. Pursuant to the terms of a family agreement, Ms. Jefferson’s two nephews, both of whom are younger than 18, will receive a greater share of the settlement than they otherwise would have. Their portions will be placed in a trust until each reaches the age of 18. Additional shares will be divided among Jefferson’s surviving family members.
“Atatiana Jefferson’s family and loved ones have suffered a profound and unimaginable loss,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “While no settlement can undo the devastating impact of this tragedy, we hope this agreement offers a meaningful measure of closure and allows everyone to move forward.”
District 8 Council Member Chris Nettles, who represents the district where the incident occurred, said, “For nearly seven years, I’ve seen the pain, resilience and determination of a community that has never stopped calling for understanding and a better path forward. I believe this agreement allows us to continue the difficult but necessary work of bringing people together, honoring her memory and building a stronger future for generations to come.”
The proposed settlement will be presented to the Fort Worth City Council on Aug. 25 for consideration. If approved by the City Council, the agreement will remain subject to approval by the probate court before becoming final.
Statement from Atatiana Jefferson’s Family
Ashley Carr, Atatiana Jefferson’s sister shared the below message:
Today brings the legal conclusion of one chapter in our family’s journey following the tragic death of Atatiana.
This case represents a rare instance in which a family has received accountability both criminally and civilly following the killing of their loved one by a police officer. The officer responsible for Atatiana’s death was convicted and sentenced to prison, and now her family has reached a civil resolution with the City of Fort Worth.
We recognize how uncommon it is for families impacted by police violence to receive accountability on both fronts, and we do not take that for granted. We know there are countless families who have fought, and continue to fight, for the accountability and justice they deserve.
While we are grateful that Atatiana’s case resulted in both criminal and civil accountability, neither a conviction nor a financial settlement can restore what was taken from our family. Nothing can bring Atatiana home.
No verdict, sentence, or settlement can replace our beloved Atatiana, a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend whose life was taken far too soon. We have carried that loss every day since October 12, 2019.
For us, accountability has never been about a single verdict, sentence, or settlement. It has always been about ensuring that Atatiana’s life mattered, that what happened to her was acknowledged, and that her life was remembered.
Our family has always sought accountability, transparency, and justice, not only for Atatiana, but in the hope that no other family has to endure what we have experienced. We hope this outcome reinforces that every life has value, every family deserves answers, and accountability under the law matters.
We also understand that our family’s legal journey reaching this point does not mean the larger work is finished. There are still families across this country fighting to have their loved ones’ names heard, their stories acknowledged, and those responsible held accountable. We stand with those families and will continue to use Atatiana’s name and legacy to advocate for meaningful change.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood with us through your prayers, advocacy, compassion, and unwavering support over the years. Your love has helped carry us through some of the most difficult moments of our lives.
As we move forward, we remain committed to honoring Atatiana’s legacy through The Atatiana Project, through service to our community, and through work that creates opportunities for young people and ensures that Atatiana is remembered for the life she lived and the impact she continues to have.
This settlement closes a legal chapter, but it does not close Atatiana’s story. Her name, her life, and her legacy will continue.
We ask that our family be given the space and privacy to process this moment together.
With gratitude,
Atatiana’s Family
Statement from the Estate’s Legal Representative
John J. Coyle of McEldrew Purtell, lead counsel for the Estate of Atatiana Jefferson shared the below statement:
Atatiana Jefferson’s death was a profound tragedy that never should have happened. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend—a young woman with a bright future whose life was taken far too soon. No settlement can restore that life or erase the pain her family and loved ones have endured.
From the beginning, McEldrew Purtell, along with our partners at the Merritt Law Firm, Reed Smith LLP, and the MacArthur Justice Center, was honored to stand beside Ms. Jefferson’s family in their pursuit of justice and accountability. We approached this case with a simple conviction: Ms. Jefferson’s life mattered, and her family deserved answers, accountability, and justice.
We are proud of the result we have achieved and of the significant settlement reached on behalf of the Estate. While no financial recovery can ever make a family whole after the loss of a loved one, this resolution represents an important measure of accountability and provides Ms. Jefferson’s family the opportunity to move forward.
But the most meaningful legacy of this tragedy extends far beyond the courtroom.
In the aftermath of Ms. Jefferson’s death, something extraordinary happened. The community, led by Ms. Jefferson’s siblings, came together. People from across Fort Worth and beyond—neighbors, advocates, educators, community leaders, organizations, artists, and people who had never even met Ms. Jefferson — joined together to ensure that her life would stand for something greater than the circumstances of her death.
Through The Atatiana Project, that collective grief and determination became a force for positive change. The Project has transformed tragedy into opportunity and remembrance into action, creating programs and initiatives designed to empower young people, strengthen communities, and open doors that too often remain closed.
That is the legacy we should celebrate.
Co-counsel, S. Lee Merritt, of the Merritt Law Firm offered the below statement:
Atatiana’s death was a tragedy that reached far beyond her family — it shook Fort Worth and every community that understands a home should be the safest place a Black woman can be,” said Lee Merritt. “This resolution belongs to the neighbors, organizers, and advocates who stood with the Jeffersons for years and made clear that her life mattered.
This was a very enlightening article. It renewed the spirit of togetherness. This day will ALWAYS be significant. It reminds us of how t he same some things are. Thank you fir thecr excellent enstinsive article.