The Kansas City Police Department will pay $4.1 million to settle a federal lawsuit over the fatal 2019 shooting of Cameron Lamb by former detective Eric DeValkenaere. The settlement closes a years-long case that strained relations between law enforcement and the city’s Black community.
U.S. District Court Judge Beth Phillips approved the settlement Tuesday. The agreement includes no admission of wrongdoing by DeValkenaere or the police department. DeValkenaere was previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Lamb’s death. Though sentenced to six years, he served about a year before former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson commuted his sentence in December.
DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City officer convicted of killing a Black man, sparked outrage among civic and political leaders after his clemency. While his criminal case proceeded in Jackson County, Lamb’s mother, Laurie Bey, and other relatives filed a federal civil suit against DeValkenaere and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.
The family accused DeValkenaere of violating the Fourth Amendment and using excessive force. They initially sought over $10 million in compensatory damages.
Judge Phillips wrote that “the Parties in this lawsuit, without any admission of liability or fault in any way by any party, and in recognition of the cost and unpredictability of litigation, desire to compromise and settle all claims for injuries and/or damages related to the allegations in the lawsuit.”
Out of the $4.1 million settlement, 40% will go to the family’s attorneys. Each plaintiff will receive close to $474,500, while Cameron Lamb’s father, Bobby Lamb — not part of the lawsuit — will get $50,000.
DeValkenaere, who is white, shot Lamb, a 26-year-old Black man, while Lamb was backing his truck into his garage. The shooting occurred roughly nine seconds after DeValkenaere and his partner arrived at Lamb’s home.
Although sentenced to prison in 2021, DeValkenaere remained free on bond during his appeal. He surrendered in October 2023 after the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld his conviction. The Missouri Supreme Court declined to review the case.
In a key ruling last September, a federal judge determined DeValkenaere was not entitled to qualified immunity, stating he had violated Lamb’s constitutional rights. Qualified immunity usually shields officers from liability, making civil cases difficult. Judge Phillips emphasized that Fourth Amendment protections clearly extend to a home’s surrounding area.
Lamb’s backyard was fenced, obscured by bushes, and partially hidden by a barbecue grill and a car hood. DeValkenaere kicked over a barrier and entered the area before the shooting.
