GREENSBORO, N.C. — The City of Raleigh has agreed to a $975,000 settlement with the estate of Darryl Tyree Williams, the 32-year-old man who died while being arrested by Raleigh police in January 2023. The settlement, which still requires Raleigh City Council approval, aims to dismiss a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by Williams’ family and their legal team, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Emancipate NC’s Jaylen Miller.
Settlement Details Confirmed by City Officials
A spokesperson for the City of Raleigh confirmed that the payment will be divided between the City of Raleigh and its self-insured retention fund. The proposed settlement was reached on December 1, though it must still be approved by councilmembers and the city’s excess insurance provider before becoming final.
The lawsuit was filed after Wake County prosecutors declined to charge the officers involved, despite the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner ruling Williams’ death a homicide.
What Happened to Darryl Williams?
Williams died in police custody on January 17, 2023, following a confrontation with five Raleigh police officers along Rock Quarry Road. Bodycam footage, dash camera video, and nearby surveillance recordings show officers approaching Williams’ vehicle before multiple attempts were made to restrain him.
During the struggle, officers deployed their Taser devices three separate times. According to the autopsy, those electrical shocks—combined with cocaine intoxication, physical exertion, and restraint—triggered a sudden cardiac arrest that led to Williams’ death.
Williams can be heard telling officers he had heart problems and pleading not to be stunned again, yet the footage shows another Taser deployment directly to his body. After officers initially stated he was conscious, video later captured them saying they could no longer find a pulse. Williams was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3 a.m.
Why the Family Filed a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Williams’ family argued that excessive force, improper restraint techniques, and unconstitutional policing practices caused his death. Led by his mother, Sonya Williams, the estate filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on March 18, 2024, against:
- The City of Raleigh
- Former Police Chief Estella Patterson
- The five officers involved in the arrest
The lawsuit claimed that the city failed to properly train its officers, leading to unconstitutional force during the arrest.
The Wake County District Attorney announced in June 2023 that no criminal charges would be filed, prompting the family to pursue civil action.
Next Steps in the Settlement Process
According to court documents titled “Settlement and Indemnity Agreement and General Release of All Claims,” the agreement is contingent on approval from both Raleigh City Council and the city’s primary excess insurance carrier. As of now, Williams’ attorneys have not publicly commented on the status of the settlement.
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