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Monterrosa Family Confirms $8.5 Million Settlement in Federal Lawsuit Over Fatal Shooting of Sean Monterrosa


Through their attorney, John Coyle of McEldrew Purtell, the family of Sean Monterrosa confirms that the federal lawsuit arising from Sean Monterrosa’s fatal shooting has been settled for $8.5 million.

The family requests privacy at this time. In a joint public statement, the Monterrosa family and their attorney emphasized that while no settlement can undo their loss, they hope the resolution marks continued progress toward accountability and reform.

Statement from the Monterrosa Family

“The loss of Sean will forever be with our family, and no settlement can ease our pain. Nonetheless, we are grateful to have reached a resolution in this case.

We have always viewed this process as a vehicle for change in the Vallejo community, and we are encouraged by the immediate changes that have been put into place within the Vallejo Police Department. These reforms were sorely needed, and the fact that there have not been any police shootings by Vallejo PD since Sean’s death shows that they are working. Nevertheless, there remains more work to do in Vallejo and in police departments across the country.

We also want to thank our legal team, including John Coyle and Lee Merritt, who have been with us throughout this fight.”

Statement from John Coyle, Attorney for the Monterrosa Family

“There is nothing that can be done to bring back Sean, but this settlement provides the Monterrosa family with the justice they have relentlessly sought for the past five years.

This resolution reflects the historical shortcomings of the Vallejo Police Department and helps place the Monterrosa family in a position to carry on Sean’s legacy by living their lives to the fullest. I thank the family for their trust in me, Lee Merritt, and the team at McEldrew Purtell. It has been an honor to fight alongside them.”

Background: Sean Monterrosa, a 22-year-old San Francisco resident, was fatally shot by a Vallejo police officer in June 2020. His death sparked widespread public concern and became part of the broader national conversation around police accountability and reform. The family’s federal civil rights lawsuit sought accountability for Sean’s death and meaningful change within the Vallejo Police Department.

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