The University of Cincinnati has agreed to pay $4.8 million to the family, including 12 children, of a man shot to death by a campus police officer last summer, both sides announced Monday.
The settlement was reached while the murder case against the officer, Ray Tensing, remains unresolved. Tensing, who was fired after the July 19 shooting of 43-year-old Samuel DuBose, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a trial date.
In addition to the cash payment, the University of Cincinnati will pay for tuition and fees for all 12 of DuBose's children, who range in age from 4 to 23. Under current costs, that part of the settlement comes out at over $530,000, but the price is sure to increase as the youngest children reach college age.
The settlement also included a public apology from University President Santa Ono, who said in a statement that he hoped the agreement would help the family, school and city heal.
"I want to again express on behalf of the University of Cincinnati community our deepest sadness and regrets at the heartbreaking loss of the life of Samuel DuBose," Ono said.
The university will also build a memorial to DuBose and include his family on efforts to reform the campus police department.
Tensing, 25 at the time, shot DuBose during an off-campus traffic stop for a missing front license plate. The entire episode was captured by officers' body cameras.
Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters, announcing murder and manslaughter charges against Tensing, said the fatal shooting was "the most asinine act I've ever seen a police officer make."
Tensing has been released on $1 million bond; DuBose's mother has complained that the officer should remain jailed.
Tensing's lawyer has said the former officer feared being dragged under the car as DuBose tried to drive away.
