California Agrees to Pay $24 Million Civil Rights Settlement to Family of Edward Bronstein, Who Died in Police Custody in 2020

The state of California has agreed to pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of Edward Bronstein, a man who died in police custody in March of 2020. Bronstein had been restrained by multiple officers while they attempted to take a blood sample, and had screamed “I can’t breathe” prior to his death.

The settlement is the largest of its kind by the state of California, and the second largest nationally since the city of Minneapolis paid $27 million in the George Floyd case. It was reached between the Bronstein family and the California Highway Patrol, who had seven officers and a nurse charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Bronstein’s death.

The settlement will be paid to Bronstein’s parents and children, and will be used to fund a trust for the children’s education and other needs. The Bronstein family’s attorneys, Annee Della Donna and Eric Dubin, said the settlement is a “monumental victory” for the family and a “step forward” in the fight for justice.

The settlement comes after months of protests and demonstrations across the country, calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism. Bronstein’s death has become a symbol of the fight for justice and accountability, and the settlement is seen as a sign of progress.

The Bronstein family’s attorneys said they hope the settlement will bring some closure to the family, and that it will serve as a reminder that police brutality and systemic racism will not be tolerated.