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Nothing can be done to bring back a loved one whose life was cut short due to the unnecessary violence at the hands of police officers, but perhaps the family of Akai Gurley can manage to find some peace and comfort in knowing a settlement was reached in the wrongful death suit of Gurley against the city of New York.

It’s been almost two years since Gurley was shot and killed by police officers in the fall of 2014. Here are details surrounding the multi-million dollar settlement, according to The Grio:

New York City is paying $4.1 million and the New York City Housing Authority is contributing $400,000 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of 28-year-old Akai Gurley, the attorney for the family said Tuesday. The city’s Law Department called the settlement a “fair resolution of a tragic matter.”

Former Officer Peter Liang was on patrol when he opened a stairwell door at a public housing building and suddenly fired. The bullet ricocheted and hit Gurley. Liang will pay $25,000 to Kim Ballinger, the mother of Gurley’s daughter as part of the settlement. Liang was sentenced to five years’ probation and 800 hours of community service; he later apologized to Gurley’s family.

Family attorney Scott Rynecki said the parties reached the settlement “after extensive negotiations guided by Supreme Court Justice Dawn Jimenez-Salta.”

“I’m glad it’s all done. I’m pleased with the outcome,” Ballinger told the Daily News.

Unfortunately, no amount of money will bring back the young life of Gurley that was cut short over nothing. However, hopefully Gurley’s loved ones, especially his daughter, will be able to use the money to live better lives.

SOURCE: The Grio | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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