Dallas city sued for nearly $100m over police officer's fatal shooting

In a landmark lawsuit, the family of Botham Shem Jean is demanding nearly $100 million in damages from the City of Dallas, nearly eight years after the 26-year-old was fatally shot by former police officer Amber Guyger in his apartment.

Family claims city's staffing gaps led to officer's fatal error

The suit alleges the city's attempts to fill staffing gaps by requiring officers to work extended hours contributed to Guyger's fatigue and increased stress on the night of the shooting in September 2018. Guyger, who had just ended a 14-hour shift, mistakenly entered Jean's apartment, believing it was her own, and fatally shot him.

Jean's family is seeking a declaratory judgment against the city, arguing that Guyger, as a city employee, is indemnified for liability under the city's employee liability plan. The judgment would force the city to compensate them and pay court costs and attorneys' fees.

A hearing for the case is set for May 14, 2026.