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Tyrone West case settled for $1M

Justice for Tyrone West Facebook Page

The city and state reached a settlement Wednesday in the lawsuit over the death of Tyrone West during a traffic stop in 2013. West’s children are expected to receive $1 million.

West was pulled over while driving through Northeast Baltimore in July 2013. He died during the ensuing fight with police.

Though the criminal charges against the officers were dropped, his family’s lawsuit accused the police of misconduct and excessive force.

The settlement agreement announced Wednesday contains a non-disparagement clause, according to Latoya Francis-Williams, an attorney representing West's children. As a result, Tawanda Jones, West’s sister and a vocal activist, withdrew from the case so she could continue to speak out.

"Nobody will never silence my voice or whatever from talking about each and every killer cop that brutally executed my brother," Jones said. "You couldn’t write me a check bad enough to make me stop and shut my mouth.”

The state Board of Public Works approved a $400,000 settlement on Wednesday. City Solicitor David Ralph said he expects the Baltimore Board of Estimates to approve the remaining $600,000 early next month.

"This settlement, like most, brings finality to the city and to the family," Ralph said.

Rachel Baye is a senior reporter and editor in WYPR's newsroom.
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