New evidence suggests Darrien Hunt’s mother, Susan Hunt, did agree to a settlement with the city of Saratoga Springs over the September 2014 shooting death of her son by police officers.
Hunt claimed last September that she had rejected a $900,000 settlement offer from Saratoga Springs to end her civil lawsuit against the city. But U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell released documents Wednesday that indicate Hunt gave her former attorney Robert Sykes verbal permission back in July to take the offer. In September Hunt told members of the press she turned it down, calling it “hush money.” Attorney Heather White represents the city of Saratoga Springs and the police officers involved in the shooting.
“That is indeed not the case,” White says. “The non-disparagement clause only state’s that none of the parties, including the city or the officers, the family members of Mr. Hunt will not make negative comments or write negative comments about one another.”
White’s team has asked Judge Campbell to force Hunt to accept the settlement. A hearing is set for January 19th in Federal Court.
Twenty-two-year-old Darrien Hunt was carrying a samurai sword outside a Saratoga Springs shopping center in September 2014, when he was shot and killed by police officers who say Hunt lunged at them with the sword. Utah County prosecutors ruled last year the shooting was justified.
Attorneys for Susan Hunt could not be reached for comment.