Jean et al vs. Guyger et al

Case Background

On October 26, 2018, Plaintiff Bertrum Jean and others filed a Wrongful Death lawsuit in the United States District Court, Texas Northern (Case number: 3:18cv2862). Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn presided over the case.

Cause

Amber Guyger, an off-duty Dallas Police officer, mistakenly entered Botham Shem Jean’s apartment on September 6, 2018, believing it was her own. Guyger had finished a 13-hour patrol shift and returned to the Southside Flats Apartment Complex, where she lived. She parked on the wrong parking garage floor, exited her vehicle, and walked past numerous signs, illuminated apartment numbers, and a distinctive red doormat indicating she was on the wrong level. Despite these clear visual cues, she proceeded to Jean’s apartment, located directly above hers, and attempted to open the door using her key fob. When the fob failed to work and the door opened, she entered Jean’s apartment without hesitation. Inside, Guyger encountered Jean, a 26-year-old accountant, sitting on his sofa. Jean, who posed no threat, was relaxing in his own home. Guyger, in full police uniform, immediately drew her service weapon and issued verbal commands. Jean, unarmed and confused, began to rise from his seat, but Guyger fired a fatal shot to his chest without justification. After shooting Jean, Guyger shouted additional commands and called 911. During the call, she made incriminating statements while failing to provide any emergency aid or life-saving measures. Jean succumbed to his injuries shortly after paramedics arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital. Jean was a respected accountant on the partnership track at PricewaterhouseCoopers and a vibrant community member. He actively served as a worship leader at Dallas West Church of Christ and hoped to one day return to his home country, Saint Lucia, to pursue a political career. His sudden and tragic death shocked his family and community.

Injuries

Botham Jean suffered immense pain and mental anguish in the moments before his death. The fatal shooting not only ended a promising life but also inflicted devastating emotional and financial losses on his family. Bertrum and Allison Jean, hi