Police officer accused in fatal shooting resigns from force

Effective on October. 2, Kerrick resigned from CMPD. That case ended with the family of Jonathan Ferrell, the young man Kerrick fatally shot 10 times receiving $2 and a quarter million dollars from the city.

Kerrick was on trial for the shooting death of Jonathan Ferrell in September 2013. A mistrial was declared and the charges against Kerrick were dismissed after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision.

The total amount paid in the agreement is $179,989.59.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg officer has since agreed to resign from the police department in exchange for the city covering backpay and legal fees, resulting in the almost $180,000 payout. “This agreement, which contains no admission of fault or liability, includes a release of all potential legal claims”. When the 8 to 4 hung jury verdict was reached, there were protests throughout the city. The agreement also releases the city from future liability and ends Kerrick’s employment with CMPD. Police say Ferrell crashed his vehicle on the morning of September 14, 2013, and went to a nearby house and banged on the door, apparently seeking help.

City attorney Bob Hageman said had Kerrick’s status with CMPD ended up in court, the city would likely have had to the pay the costs included in the separation agreement.

Kerrick’s attorney’s responded to the settlement saying his actions on the night of the shooting were justified under CMPD policy and the law. “Wes Kerrick and his family look forward to new endeavors and are eager to place this tragic chapter of their lives behind them”.

Prosecutors argued Kerrick should have used nonlethal force, but Kerrick and his attorneys argued the officer feared for his life. Our belief was confirmed by the majority of the jurors during his criminal trial.

While the state attorney general decided not to retry the manslaughter case, Ferrell’s family told the Charlotte Observer they hope federal charges may be filed against the former officer.

The City of Charlotte says the officer involved in the shooting of an unarmed man has resigned and is also getting money from the city.