The family of Miles Hall has earned $4 million in a settlement with the city of Walnut Creek, California. The 23-year-old man was shot killed while having a mental health episode in 2019.
“The events of the day were tragic and difficult for all involved — the Hall family, the Walnut Creek community, and the police officers called to the scene,” the city said in a statement.
“While the City recognizes the continuing loss for the Hall family, it is the City’s sincere hope that settlement of this civil lawsuit will provide a step towards healing.”
City attorney Noah Blechman stated that the two parties came to the $4 million settlement because a court battle would not be "in the best interest of anyone involved.”
The settlement is not cause for celebration within the Hall family. While the court proceedings are through, the settlement will not bring back the life of Miles Hall.
“Money is not going to give us peace, it’s not going to give us satisfaction,” Hall's mother, Taun Hall, said.
“Justice will be when we are able to have a non-police response for the mentally ill, at least here to start in Contra Costa County. And then, it could be something… throughout the nation.”
On June 2, 2019, Walnut Creek law enforcement were reportedly told that Hall was carrying a pry bar and threatening individuals. Of the five people who called 911, four said that Hall had prior mental health issues. Officers were deployed to the scene and encountered Hall wearing a bandanna and holding a pray bar. Authorities reportedly called his name and Hall took off running. One officer fired one bean bag round before two other officers fired bullets. Hall was hit and taken to the hospital where he died.
“People still need the police, we still need them to help and answer calls,” Hall's mother said.
“But I mean, is it worth it when it could result in the death of your child? I say no.”
In his memory, Hall's family has started the Miles Hall Foundation to "support and protect families by educating communities about mental illness."
Photo: Getty Images