Family of woman police killed wants city to settle suit

The spokesman for the family of a 92-year-old woman gunned down by a rogue Atlanta police drug squad two years ago today put pressure on city officials to settle a lawsuit the family has filed against the city.

“The city must own up to the debt that is owed that family,” the Rev. Markel Hutchins said outside the northwest Atlanta home of Kathryn Johnston.

Hutchins pushed for a quick settlement, adding “this family does not need to go through a long and bitter [court] process.”

The Johnston shooting and the subsequent revelations stunned many Atlantans. On Nov. 21, 2006, Police used a “no-knock” warrant to gain entry into Johnston’s home. Johnston, apparently surprised by the intruders, fired a gun at the officers. The officers shot her twice in the chest.

An investigation ensued and officers admitted they cut corners, faked search warrants, planted drugs and raided homes because of pressure from supervisors to make arrests.

Three officers pleaded guilty to violating Johnston’s civil rights and are awaiting sentencing. Police Chief Richard Pennington disbanded the department’s narcotics unit and filled it last year with a new batch of officers. The Atlanta City Council created a civilian review board to investigate alleged police misconduct.

Johnston’s family filed a lawsuit against the city about a year ago. Hutchins said the city has not negotiated in good faith with Johnston family representatives.

Beverly Isom, communications director for Mayor Shirley Franklin, declined comment.

Hutchins did not say how much money the family wants from the city, but he referred to the case several years ago of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, which was ordered to pay $18 million to white defendants in a reverse discrimination lawsuit.

“The circumstances in that case were a lot less egregious than what happened to Ms. Johnston,” Hutchins said.

Hutchins said the family also wants a formal apology and its help in creating a memorial honoring Johnston.