Elijah McClain’s Father Speaks Out On $15 Million Settlement
The city of Aurora is settling a federal civil rights lawsuit over the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, in the sum of $15 million. McClain’s father has now spoken out about the settlement.
McClain's biological father, LaWayne Mosley, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE, “There is no amount of money in the world that will make up for losing my son, but hopefully this sends a message to police everywhere that there are consequences for their actions.”
He continued, "I hope Elijah's legacy is that police will think twice before killing another innocent person."
According to CBS Denver, the amount will be paid to McClain’s family. City officials have nodded in agreement to the settlement, but no further information will be shared with the general public until the details are set in stone.
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain and Lawayne Mosley. The lawsuit named the city of Aurora and the police officers and fire department members involved in the death of her son.
On August 24, 2019, an unarmed McClain was walking home from the store when police approached him. A passerby called 911 and reported a "sketchy" person in a ski mask waving his arms but without any apparent weapon. McClain was reportedly just listening to music.
Officers tackled and placed him in a chokehold. They then called first responders who injected him with ketamine. On his way to the hospital, he suffered a heart attack. After spending several days in the hospital, he was pronounced dead on August 30, 2019.
During 2010 through 2019, Aurora has paid a total of $7,397,814 in police claims. The McClain settlement doubles this figure. Previously the largest wrongful death police case settlement in the city was to the tune of $2,600,000 in 2015.
At the time of McClain’s death, Aurora held a $10 million insurance policy. According to Aurora officials, the $5 million difference will be taken from the city’s general funds.
Both attorney’s for Sheneen McClain and Lawayne Mosley didn’t comment on the terms of the settlement.
