San Diego Approves $30M Settlement for Family of Konoa Wilson

UPDATE: The San Diego City Council has just approved a groundbreaking $30 million settlement for the family of 16-year-old Konoa Wilson, who was fatally shot by police on January 28, 2025. This settlement marks one of the largest in U.S. history for a police-related death, surpassing the $27 million awarded to the family of George Floyd.

The tragic incident unfolded at a downtown train station where Wilson was fleeing from gunfire when he encountered San Diego Police Officer Daniel Gold. Body-worn camera footage reveals the shocking moment when Officer Gold fired two shots at Wilson without any warning, striking him in the upper body.

Council member Henry Foster expressed deep emotional pain during the council meeting, sharing his fears for his own son amidst ongoing violence against Black youth. He emphasized, “Kanoa’s life was taken while fleeing from gunshots, and he found himself running into the arms of a police officer. This should not have happened.”

The lawsuit against the city and Officer Gold alleged that Wilson was unjustly targeted, igniting a renewed call for accountability and reform in police practices. Foster questioned the progress made since Floyd’s death, stating, “Where’s the protect and serve? Better yet, where’s the accountability?”

This significant settlement not only highlights the pressing issue of police violence but also serves as a pivotal moment for the city of San Diego as it grapples with its past and works toward systemic change. The decision comes in the wake of national scrutiny over police conduct and the continuing demand for justice in cases of racial violence.

As the community processes this announcement, attention now turns to how the city will implement changes to ensure such tragedies do not recur. The emotional weight of this case resonates deeply, reflecting broader societal issues that demand urgent action and accountability.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to evolve.