Jury in California Awards $2.2M to Family of Man Killed by LAPD Officer

A jury has awarded $2.2 million to the family of a man who was shot and killed by a Los Angeles police officer in a shooting that the police chief deemed justified and the district attorney declined to prosecute.

Christian Eaddy’s cousin called police in May 2013 to say the 26-year-old had stabbed himself and was wielding two knives. When officers arrived, Eaddy refused orders to get on the ground and advanced at them with the blades.

Officer Christopher Carr fired a single shot. Eaddy died at a hospital.

During the civil trial Eaddy’s family contended that the bullet struck Eaddy in a way that showed he had turned away from officers.

The Los Angeles Times reported the jury of eight men and four women returned the award Tuesday. Eaddy’s family members say they are relieved.