Family Receives $600,000 Settlement in Wrongful Death Police Shooting

On March 8, 2014, Emerson Crayton Jr., a 21-year old black male, was shot and killed in the early morning hours outside of Huddle House in Alexander City by an Alexander City police officer.

Suit was filed in the federal court in Montgomery by the administrator of his Estate, Ms. Kolea Burns, and mother of his only child, a two-year old daughter.

Following considerable legal action including depositions, motions, and discovery for a 2 year and 2 month period, the City Council of Alexander City voted to approve a $500,000 settlement last week to the Estate of Crayton, according to Plaintiff’s attorney, Julian McPhillips. The city still denies any wrongdoings.

A few months earlier, Huddle House while also denying any wrongdoings, settled for $100,000 with the Plaintiffs.

The allegations are that an Alexander City police officer unnecessarily shot and killed the unarmed Crayton while he was backing out of the Huddle House parking to exit the property. Although it was unclear that Crayton was even aware that the officer was there, the officer shot and killed Crayton, claiming he was trying to run him over with the car.

The Plaintiff also alleged that Huddle House unduly contributed to the incident by unnecessarily calling the police to the scene.