Family of victim shot by EPPD holds news conference over $1.2M settlement with City
EL PASO, Texas – The family of Erik Salas Sanchez and their lawyers held a news conference Wednesday to discuss its settlement with the City of El Paso.
El Paso's city council voted to settle with the family on Tuesday. The family's lawyer says the settlement was $1.2 million.
Salas Sanchez was shot and killed in his Lower Valley home in April 2015.
"Our clients are gratified that the City has taken this step. That the City has taken responsibility for the department's conduct. This result is valued tremendously. Not just by my clients, but by the larger El Paso community," said Lynn Coyle, the family's attorney.
The victim's mother, Celia Sanchez, said she doesn’t wish this on anybody and said she will never be the same. She said she feels sad and empty, and nothing or nobody can fill that void.
She said that by them coming to this settlement El Paso Police accepted their at fault, which the city disputes.
Following the news conference, the city released a statement to the media.
"We have reviewed the totality of the circumstances and we believe it is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this case. We are committed to move forward and begin the healing process for all involved,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman. “The settlement is not an ‘admission or indication of wrongdoing’ by our officers or the organization. All members of City staff have taken this as an opportunity to learn and improve the public-safety services we provide for our community.”
The family sued the City claiming Sanchez's civil rights were violated. The family claims Erik Sanchez was having a mental health crisis and poor training and reckless behavior led to their son's death.
The El Paso Police Department claimed Salas Sanchez threatened to attack officers.
Sanchez's lawyer said that with this settlement the trial date for Officer Mando Kenneth Gomez has been vacated.
El Paso Police said they do not wish to make a statement, and told ABC-7 that Officer Gomez is still listed as an active staff member.
