Insurer to Pay $750K over Fatal Shooting in Texas County

A $750,000 settlement has been reached with relatives of an unarmed motorist fatally shot by an off-duty South Texas sheriff’s deputy.

The family of Mathew Jackson has agreed to settle the civil lawsuit. The money will be paid by Bexar County’s liability insurance that covers employees.

Jurors last month acquitted Anthony Thomas of a murder charge in the August 2013 death of Jackson. Authorities say Thomas was in uniform but driving his personal vehicle when the side mirrors of both vehicles bumped.

Thomas, who did not testify at his criminal trial, had told investigators that he feared for his life when Jackson ran toward him while carrying a shiny object. The item turned out to be a cigarette lighter.

Thomas was fired after the fatal shooting.