CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Without objection, and with some bewilderment, the Chicago City Council Finance Committee approved an $8.74 million dollar settlement for the family of Michael Craig on Monday.
Craig called 911 and said his wife was trying to knife him, but upon entering the home, a Chicago police officer shot Craig to death. South Side Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) asked Deputy Corporation Counsel Caroline Fronczak how it happened.
"So they knew the situation and went in shooting?" Taylor asked.
Answered Fronczak: "Only one officer actually saw the two individuals in the altercation. He saw them in a struggle, and he believed that the man was the aggressor toward the woman, however, the post-shooting investigation indicates otherwise."
She said the officer and others were met by the son of Craig at the front door, and he told them that his mother was stabbing his father. The officer shot Craig once while the two were standing and once when Craig was on the ground, Fronczak said.
"When the medical examiner reviewed the injuries to Mr. Craig, there were multiple stab wounds on him that she characterized as defensive, as well as two gunshot wounds that were obviously from [the officer]," she said.
Fronczak added that "all indications" are that the woman was the aggressor.
The case goes to the full council for final approval Wednesday.
The council previously rejected another case, involving a fatal 2014 police chase, and sent it back to the committee. They have again approved a $2 million settlement. They also recommend settling a $500,000 sex harassment lawsuit filed by a firefighter who is gay.
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