From the City of Rockford:
The Rockford City Council of the City of Rockford approved a release and settlement agreement with the Plaintiff on behalf of all named defendants in the matter of 09-cv-50236 Estate of Barmore v. City Of Rockford, et al. In exchange for a release of liability and dismissal with prejudice of all claims against the City of Rockford, et al, the Estate of Barmore will receive a settlement payment in the amount of $1,115,500.00 from the City of Rockford.
By execution of the settlement agreement, the City of Rockford and all individual Defendants do not admit liability or fault for the allegations of wrongful death or excessive force in 09-cv-50236. The settlement agreement was reached after lengthy negotiations with retired former Magistrate Judge P. Michael Mahoney as mediator. Both he and Senior United States District Court Judge Philip G. Reinhard recommended the terms of the settlement agreement.
Mr. Barmore died after an altercation with police which occurred on August 24, 2009 as City of Rockford Police Officers Oda Poole and Stan North were attempting to take Mr. Barmore into custody on a warrant issued for felony probation violations and for questioning on domestic violence complaints. Mr. Barmore’s estate filed suit against the City, Poole and North on October 8, 2009.
The facts and circumstances of the incident were investigated by the Illinois State Police working with members of the Cook County Public Integrity Unit. The Winnebago County State's Attorney Office presented the results of the Illinois State Police investigation to a grand jury, which found the use of force to be justified.