Willie McCoy death: Family of rapper who was shot 55 times by police while sleeping in car awarded $5M
VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA: The family of Willie McCoy, a 20-year-old rapper shot 55 times by police while asleep in his car at a Taco Bell drive-thru in California, has reached a $5 million settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit.
The tragic events unfolded when the Vallejo Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a silver Mercedes with tinted windows in the Taco Bell drive-thru on February 9, 2019.
Willie McCoy's family awarded $5 million settlement in wrongful-death lawsuit
The situation escalated quickly, resulting in six officers firing a staggering 55 rounds into McCoy's vehicle, ultimately claiming his life. The settlement, a significant step towards accountability, was confirmed by family attorney Melissa Nold.
"I think we have revealed so much in this case over the past few years, and this settlement is an acknowledgment that the police acted wrong," she stated. "We're not celebrating, but it is nice to see an acknowledgment of wrongdoing," The Mercury News reported.
What led to the tragic shooting of Willie McCoy?
The incident unfolded late at night when officers discovered McCoy in his car with a gun in his lap. Attempting to de-escalate the situation, they called for backup and tried to secure the firearm without disturbing him.
When McCoy woke up, officers ordered him to raise his hands. According to authorities, he allegedly reached for his gun, prompting six officers to discharge 55 rounds in a mere 3.5 seconds. The case drew further attention when police released body camera footage of the shooting, leading to legal action from civil rights advocates.
A special prosecutor hired by Solano County deemed the use of deadly force justified, citing the perceived threat. However, civil rights attorney John Burris questioned the excessive use of force, describing the incident as a "firing squad."
He argued that McCoy was not given a chance to live, emphasizing that he posed no immediate danger and had not committed any dangerous crimes.
McCoy's cousin, David Harrison, highlighted that McCoy was a rising Bay Area rapper, fatigued from touring and seeking food from the only open establishment at that hour – Taco Bell.
Describing McCoy as a "sitting duck" in his car, Harrison criticized the officers for not affording him a chance to comply peacefully.
Vallejo City officials address settlement
In the wake of the settlement, Vallejo city officials, noted, “The settlement agreement provides both sides with a certain outcome and avoids the expense of what would likely have been several additional years of litigation."
The officials also stated, "The settlement includes an agreement by all parties that the settlement does not imply an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the city of Vallejo or any city employee."
"Regardless of the circumstances, we do want to acknowledge that all loss of life is tragic and continue to offer our sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Mr McCoy,” the statement read.
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