VIDEO: WA city reaches $2M settlement in police shooting of woman
Longview reaches $2M settlement in police shooting of woman
The family of a woman killed by police during a mental health crisis will receive $2 million from the city of Longview.
TACOMA, Wash. - The City of Longview agreed to a $2 million wrongful death settlement in the police shooting of Katelyn Rose Smith, who was killed on Jan. 1, 2024.
Smith's family, represented by attorney Mark Lindquist and Angus Lee, announced they had reached a settlement with the city, and they will receive $2 million to put the case to rest.
The backstory:
Smith was suffering a mental health crisis, and her partner called 911 for help.
Her partner was holding her to the ground after she tried to get ahold of a firearm in the house and shoot herself. When officers arrived, they ordered Smith's partner to release her.
Officers then waited outside while Smith went back into the house and grabbed a gun, which was unloaded.
Smith returned outside and pointed the gun at officers, and bodycam video shows them shooting at her 23 times. Smith died at the scene. Fewer than 60 seconds had passed between police arriving and gunning down Smith.
"This case shows the devastating consequences of tactical failure and disregard for a person in mental health crisis. Police knew she was suicidal and knew there were guns in the home," said Lee. "Instead of preventing access, they created the very danger that led to her death."
RAW: Longview police shoot, kill woman during mental health call
In what was later admitted as evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit, Longview police officers responded to a mental health call — but within 60 seconds of arriving, it ended in gunfire.
Dig deeper:
According to the lawsuit, officers not only failed to remove Smith and her partner from danger, but escalated the mental health crisis.
One of the officers carried a less-lethal "sponge gun," which the lawsuit asserts would have safely incapacitated Smith and allowed police to take her into custody for evaluation. The lawsuit also claims the police department violated the American Disabilities Act and failed to properly train their officers in managing mental health crises.
"We hope accountability in this case will help bring necessary improvements in how police respond to people with mental health issues," Lindquist said.
Smith is survived by her mother and two young children, who will be the beneficiaries of the settlement.
Response from the City of Longview
The City of Longview issued the following statement after reaching a settlement with Smith's family:
"Following the incident, all involved officers were cleared of wrongdoing through an internal investigation, an external review, and an independent assessment by the Cowlitz County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the findings of the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team, the Cowlitz County Prosecutor’s Office determined the use of deadly force was justified and declined to file criminal charges.
"The City of Longview takes this matter very seriously and remains confident in our officers, the training they receive, and the protocols they follow."
The Source: Information in this story comes from the offices of Mark Lindquist and Angus Lee.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
WA deputies urge vigilance as Travis Decker search continues in Kittitas County
Manhunt for Travis Decker update as WA search nears its 3rd week
Man arrested for security threat onboard aircraft at Seattle airport
19-year-old dies in drowning at Eagle Falls in WA
1 dead after reported shooting on I-5 in Seattle near Boeing Field
Pedestrian killed by train along Edmonds, WA waterfront, ferry service impacted
How to watch FIFA Club World Cup in the US for free
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.