Fort Worth City Council approves $3.5 million settlement for Atatiana Jefferson’s nephew

Fort Worth approves $3.5M settlement for Zion Carr

In 2019, former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean shot and killed Atatiana Jefferson inside her mother’s home while she was babysitting her young nephew, Zion Carr. On Tuesday, Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved a settlement plan that will pay Carr an estimated $3.5 million.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of Atatiana Jefferson.

In 2019, former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean shot and killed Jefferson inside her mother’s home while she was babysitting her young nephew, Zion Carr.

The council agreed to pay $3.5 million to Carr, who was 8 years old on the night of the shooting.

"It does feel short. It’s not enough, but it is the right gesture on behalf of the City of Fort Worth," said Mayor Mattie Parker.

Carr was 11 years old when he testified at Dean's trial in 2022.

Aaron Dean Murder Trial: Zion Carr, Atatiana Jefferson's nephew testifies

Jefferson was babysitting Carr in Oct. 2019 on the night of the shooting. Carr testified that his aunt did not point her gun prior to being shot by Officer Dean.

Dean was found guilty of manslaughter and is now serving a sentence of roughly 12 years.

"I stood here four years ago, seeking transparency, justice and accountability. Today, you guys are taking that leap toward accountability," said James Smith, a neighbor who called the non-emergency line on the night of the shooting.

Smith called for a welfare check because of an open front door at Jefferson's home.

Within his remarks, he punctuates how Jefferson's family, since the fatal shooting, has suffered multiple losses, including the death of Zion's mother and grandmother.

"I’m not here primarily because of me. I’m here because Yolanda Carr can’t be here. Atatiana is not here. Amber is not here. Atatiana’s father is not here, so I’m representing them," said Smith.

The settlement breakdown includes an initial lump sum payment.

Atatiana Jefferson’s family relieved with sentencing, but say ‘fight is not over’

Ashley Carr, Atatian's sister, said she wanted the murder charge but is relieved with a stiff sentence for manslaughter. However, she says the fight is not over. She and her attorney say they'll continue to pursue federal and civil charges against Dean.

Also, when Zion is between 18 and 25 years old there will be money for undergraduate college and grad school if he chooses to attend.

From age 26 until he is 40 years old, the monthly payment amounts increase, as do subsequent annual lump sum payments.

City attorneys point out the structured plan could actually double today's value of $3.5 million if the amount annuitizes and is paid out as they expect.

"There are people who say this isn’t enough. It might not be enough, but time, four years, this young man is struggling. He needs to move on with his life," said Smith.

"I for one, am excited about this opportunity to make sure that he can go to college and do things that his mother and his aunt wanted him to do as they were raising him," said Fort Worth Councilman Chris Nettles.

"I am confident that this is more than about money, this is about a support system, a network and a city that wants to show our love and support to a young man that absolutely deserves it," said Parker after the meeting.

"The settlement is not about justice. The settlement is about making sure Zion is taken care of. They’ve done that," said Smith.

Zion's aunt, Ashley Carr, is raising him.

There is still pending litigation to address a separate settlement to be awarded on behalf of Jefferson's estate.