Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker has reached a $2 million settlement with the city of Louisville. The settlement resolves two lawsuits Walker filed in response to “the unlawful police raid that led to Ms. Taylor’s death.” according to CNN.
The initial complaint was filed by Walker in September 2020. It was a state court case. Kenneth Walker brought a federal civil rights case in March 2021. The Louisville Metro Government was identified as a defendant in both actions. A “materially false” search order was obtained for Taylor’s residence, and specific police officers involved were also identified.
In a news release, Steve Romines, one of Walker’s attorneys, expressed his opinions on the deal.
Kenneth Walker Feels Relieved
Kenneth Walker feels relieved that this chapter of his life is over, even though this tragedy will follow him for the rest of his days. He will have to deal with the aftereffects of being put in danger by a forged warrant, being shot multiple times, and experiencing the awful and horrific death of Breonna Taylor.
According to CNN, the release does not disclose if the defendants admitted to any wrongdoing.
Six months after Taylor was tragically killed, the City of Louisville paid a $12 million settlement to the Taylor family. This settlement resolved a wrongful death lawsuit. According to CNN, this settlement also did not include an admission of wrongdoing.
The settlement, however, does include a series of police reforms in the city,” which include all search warrants being approved by a senior officer, as reported by the BBC.
Breonna Taylor was in her apartment when police unexpectedly burst into the unit. Walker was present and fired a shot at one of the officers with a pistol he legally owned. According to the BBC, officers fired 32 shots — six of which struck Taylor, killing her.
Kenneth Walker was charged with attempted murder. But explained that he fired at the officers because he thought the apartment was being broken into. Walker’s charges were dismissed by a judge in March 2021.
