In a pivotal moment for justice, a federal jury has awarded nearly $100 million in damages to the family of Botham Jean, the unarmed Black man tragically shot in his Dallas apartment by then-officer Amber Guyger in 2018. This civil case ruling reaffirms the violation of Jean’s constitutional rights through excessive force.
The case began on September 6, 2018, when Guyger entered Jean’s apartment, mistaking it for her own, and fatally shot him while he sat on his couch eating ice cream. She claimed self-defense, believing him to be an intruder, but was later convicted of murder in 2019 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Despite her plea for parole in September 2024, Guyger remains incarcerated and will be eligible again in 2026.
Botham Jean’s legacy extends beyond the courtroom. His death inspired Texas House Bill 929, the “Botham Jean Act,” mandating continuous use of police body cameras during investigations. Additionally, a portion of South Lamar Street in Dallas has been renamed Botham Jean Boulevard in his honor.
This verdict serves as a powerful statement about accountability and the ongoing fight against systemic injustices.