A record-breaking settlement was reached between Julian Lewis’ widow and the state of Georgia after Lewis was shot dead by a Georgia State Patrol soldier in 2020.
According to a press release from Hall & Lampros law firm, which represented the Lewis family, the $4.8 million compensation is the largest in Georgia’s history, based on state records dating back to 1990 and data provided by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services were deployed.
“Our hearts mourn the loss of Betty Lewis, who lost her golden years with her husband due to unjustified and unnecessary deadly violence during a routine traffic stop,” said Andrew Lampros, co-founder and partner of Hall & Lampros in Atlanta. “The events of that August night should never have happened.”
In November, Lewis’ family and his representative announced their intention to sue the state for $12 million for civil rights violations and Lewis’ death.
What happened to Lewis?
Lewis, 60, was driving down Stoney Pond Road, a dirt country road in Screven County, on August 7, 2020, when Georgia State Patrol Trooper Jacob Thompson began chasing Lewis for a malfunctioning taillight on his vehicle.
Thompson performed a PIT maneuver on Lewis, forcing the vehicle into a ditch. Thompson then left his cruiser and approached Lewis’ car.
Thompson said he feared for his life when Lewis revved his engine and jerked the steering wheel. Thompson, who is white, shot and killed Lewis, who is black.
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Has the officer been charged?
Thomson was released from the Georgia State Patrol after being charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, but a Screven County grand jury chose not to indict him on June 28, 2021.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced in September that it would open an investigation into Lewis’ death in consultation with the FBI. The announcement came after a protest march by Lewis’ family and activists calling for an investigation. On Thursday, a spokesman for the bureau said it was not commenting on any active investigation.
A call to the Georgia Attorney General’s office made after 5 p.m. was not immediately returned for comment.
More:Lewis family seeks justice, case goes to trial jury
