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Clark County Settles Jenoah Donald Wrongful Death Suit for $3.5 Million

The 2021 shooting of the Black motorist during a traffic stop was deemed justified by prosecutors, but the settlement highlights ongoing debates over policing practices and accountability.

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Jenoah Donald died days after he was shot in the head by a Clark County, Washington, deputy during a traffic stop in February 2021, according to a lawsuit. Now, a settlement has been reached.

Overview

  • Jenoah Donald, a Black motorist, was fatally shot in the head by Deputy Sean Boyle during a 2021 traffic stop in Clark County, Washington, after being pulled over for a faulty taillight.
  • The Clark County Council approved a $3.5 million settlement on May 14, 2025, just weeks before the scheduled trial, while maintaining there was no liability for the incident.
  • Prosecutors from outside the county ruled the shooting justified, citing Donald's resistance during a struggle and the car's movement with a deputy partially inside.
  • The Donald family alleged in their lawsuit that the stop was unconstitutional, excessive force was used, and officers failed to accommodate Donald’s autism and stress responses.
  • The settlement comes amid broader scrutiny of Clark County law enforcement, including previous multimillion-dollar payouts for fatal encounters involving Black individuals.