Taylor settlement a small silver lining

The long, tragic aftermath of Christian Taylor’s 2015 death received a small silver lining.

The Arlington City Council approved a $850,000 settlement for Taylor’s family this week.

The fatal shooting of Taylor, an unarmed 19-year-old college student, caused a national uproar in 2015.

Former Arlington police officer Brad Miller shot Taylor four times while investigating a burglary. Though Miller was quickly fired, no charges were filed. The Tarrant County grand jury declined to indict the officer.

The settlement should provide some financial relief for the family and help fund the Now I am Christian Foundation Taylor’s family started.

“We’re just out of pocket doing things for his name and legacy, to not let it die,” Christian’s father, Adrian, told Star-Telegram reporter Robert Cadwallader.

Taylor’s family has been the epitome of grace throughout the grief.

“We are all human and make mistakes, and there isn’t a winner in this. You know what I mean? We are both losers,” Adrian told the Washington Post in 2015.

Miller’s rushed actions were inexcusable. The officer failed to deescalate the confrontation, and Arlington police must show they are taking his mistakes seriously.

A tragedy like this should never happen again.

This story was originally published May 25, 2017 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Taylor settlement a small silver lining."