The city of Longview, Washington, has agreed to a $2 million settlement with the family of Katelynn Rose Smith, a 30-year-old mother who was shot and killed by police during a mental health crisis last year. Smith’s family had filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that officers acted negligently and in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as they reportedly knew Smith was experiencing severe mental health issues when they fired 23 shots, striking her at least 11 times.
This incident occurred on January 1, 2024, when Smith’s boyfriend called 911 for assistance, indicating that she was in distress and attempting self-harm. Despite the emergency call and prior knowledge of her mental health struggles, police responded with lethal force when Smith emerged from the house holding an unloaded firearm. The settlement aims to address the tragic circumstances surrounding her death and sparks a broader conversation about police training in handling mental health crises.
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