City to pay $1.5M to estate of Native carver shot by officer

Monday, May 2, 2011  

The city of Seattle has agreed to pay $1.5 million to the estate of John T. Williams, a traditional Native woodcarver who was killed by a police officer.

The city is not admitting liability for the August 30, 2010, incident. But the family won't be able to sue the city or former officer Ian Birk as a result of the agreement.

The money will go to Williams' mother, Ida Edward, according to The Seattle Times. "Well, it seems like a funny thing. My son gets shot, and I get the money. I'm hurt by it," Edward, 76, told the paper.

Williams was a member of the Dididaht First Nation of British Columbia. He was a well-known carver who was often seen around Seattle with his wood and a knife.

Williams was carrying his wood and a knife when he was shot by Birk. An inquest jury failed to find criminal intent by Birk but the Department of Justice has opened a criminal inquiry into the case.

Get the Story:
City to pay $1.5 million to family of slain woodcarver (The Seattle Times 4/30)

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