Crime & Safety
Multimillion-Dollar Settlement Announced In Police Shooting Case
Prince George's County will pay millions to the family of William Green, who police say was fatally shot by an officer in January.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Months after a Prince George's police officer was accused of fatally shooting a restrained man, the county government reached a settlement with the victim's family. Prince George's County will pay his relatives $20 million, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Monday.
"Our belief is that when we are at fault, we take responsibility," Alsobrooks said at a press conference. "In this case, we are accepting responsibility."
The unarmed victim, William Howard Green, died on Jan. 27. The Prince George's County Police Department said Corporal Michael Owen Jr. shot Green while he was handcuffed in the front seat of a police cruiser.
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Green and Owen are both Black men, according to court documents. Green was 43.
Alsobrooks claims that Owen shot Green six times. The county executive added that investigators found no evidence that Green posed a threat to the officer.
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"I also want to be clear that there is excellent work that is performed every single day by the men and women of this department," Alsobrooks noted. "When it is warranted, we will defend our police department and the men and women who faithfully serve with honor and integrity."
Police arrested Owen a day after Green's death. He faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, first-degree assault and misconduct in office. Owen is also up against two counts of handgun usage. A grand jury seconded these charges with a March 5 indictment.
Monday's settlement does not negate the charges against Owen. The agreement with Green's family resolves only the civil dispute against Prince George's County.
Jury selection in Owen's criminal case is scheduled for March 15 and 16, 2021. His trial is set to begin on March 22, 2021.
This is a developing story. Check back frequently for more updates.
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