The family of an unarmed man who was gunned down by nine deputies in Lynwood after a brief pursuit, during which officers fired 61 rounds, has received an $8.8 million settlement, which had been deemed the highest payout by police in a wrongful death in the state in California’s history.
The family of Alfredo Montalvo filed a civil suit against the County of Los Angeles after the 2009 incident left Montalvo dead.
The LA County Board of Supervisors approved the unprecedented settlement Tuesday and photos never seen before of his bullet-riddled vehicle were released.
The shooting was ruled justified by the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
On April 26, 2009, the day Montalvo was killed, deputies in an unmarked sheriff’s vehicle followed him in his car after suspecting Montalvo was drunk while driving.
His lawyer said toxicology results showed he had no alcohol in his system.
A brief pursuit ensued when the deputies attempted to pull Montalvo over.
News
Top news of the day
Montalvo crashed into two parked cars.
Sixteen deputies arrived and told Montalvo to get out of the car.
Montalvo tried to reverse his car, which was stuck between parked cars, so that he could exit and open the driver-side door like deputies had asked.
LASD said they thought Montalvo was trying to ram the patrol car.
Deputies said they feared for their lives and opened fire. They shot 61 rounds at Montalvo.
"He was trying to comply with the commands of the deputies by backing his car up so he could open a door," said John Taylor, an attorney who represented the Montalvo family.
A coroner testified later that Montalvo's left arm was likely raised at the time he was shot due to a wound. Montalvo was not armed with a weapon.
Annette Montalvo, former wife of the victim, said she feels the deputies were never reprimanded.
"Cops still got away with everything. My kids still don't have a father," Annette said.
Annette also said it pains her to hear of recent police shooting statistics.
Montalvo was 29 years old.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said they will not comment on the case until Wednesday.
