San Diego will pay $30 million to the family of 16‑year‑old Konoa Wilson, a decision that could make it one of the largest settlements in a police‑involved killing case in U.S. history.
Settlement Announcement
The city agreed to the payment after a lawsuit filed by Wilson’s parents against San Diego and Officer Daniel Gold, the officer who fired the fatal shots. The settlement amount was revealed in a San Diego City Council agenda posted Friday and will be formally considered by the council on Tuesday. Representatives for the city could not be reached for comment.
Legal Background
Konoa Wilson’s parents sued the city and Gold on the night of Jan. 28, alleging that the teen was shot while fleeing gunfire from another individual. According to the lawsuit, Gold shot Wilson twice in the back “instantly, without any warning.” Wilson was pronounced dead at a hospital less than an hour later.
Incident Details
Surveillance footage from the Sante Fe Depot shows Wilson running after a person who pulls out a gun and opens fire on him at the station’s west platform. Gold and another officer were responding to an unrelated assault report when the shots rang out. Wilson is seen running down a corridor, emerging on Kettner Boulevard as Gold rushes toward the same corridor.
Body‑Worn Camera Footage
Body‑worn camera footage confirms that Gold fired on Wilson at close range before the teen could identify himself. The video shows Wilson screaming and collapsing after the shots, with officers performing CPR. Police later found a handgun concealed under Wilson’s clothing near his right thigh.
Officer Status
Officer Gold, who has been with the department for two years, is currently on paid administrative duty and is not on patrol. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office says the case is still under review for potential criminal charges.
Attorney’s Statement
Wilson’s attorney, Nick Rowley, said: “What happened to Konoa was a catastrophic failure of policing. A 16‑year‑old boy was running for his life. He was not a threat and not a suspect, yet he was shot in the back by a police officer who only saw him for one second before deciding to pull the trigger.” Rowley added that the settlement “brings some semblance of accountability, but not closure.”
Comparison to Minneapolis Settlement
If approved, the San Diego settlement would exceed the $27 million the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay the family of George Floyd, whose May 2020 murder by a police officer sparked a nationwide racial reckoning. The Associated Press reported on the Minneapolis figure.
Victim Background
Konoa Wilson was an only child, and his parents lost their only son. The boy was killed three months shy of his 17th birthday. Rowley noted that Wilson had the handgun for self‑defense because he had recently been targeted and assaulted by gang members.
Arrest of Shooter
Police said the person who fired the shots at Wilson – described only as a 16‑year‑old juvenile – was arrested just over a week later.
Settlement Funding
An agenda item posted Friday said the settlement would be paid from the Public Liability Fund.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego will pay $30 million to the family of 16‑year‑old Konoa Wilson.
- The settlement could surpass the $27 million Minneapolis payout for George Floyd.
- Officer Daniel Gold is on paid administrative duty and the case is under criminal review.
The settlement represents a significant financial response to a tragic police shooting, highlighting the ongoing national conversation about law enforcement accountability.
