Tacoma Pays 15 Million to Shooting Victim

Jay Barbour, a victim of a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, has been awarded a $14. 9 million settlement approved by the city council. Two years ago, while delivering supplies to his restaurant, Barbour was shot, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. The case highlighted significant police negligence, as Tacoma police returned a handgun to Mason Taylor, the suspect, shortly before the shooting. Barbour's attorney, Mark Lindquist, criticized this action as 'beyond reckless.

' Following the shooting, Taylor was convicted of first-degree assault but received a reduced sentence in a plea bargain, leaving Barbour's family dissatisfied with the justice system. Barbour's journey has been marked by physical pain and emotional struggles, with his family providing essential support. The community has rallied around him, demonstrating loyalty through acts of kindness, especially during the pandemic. This case raises critical issues regarding police accountability and the impact of gun violence on victims’ lives.