Settlement in Hammond litigation

At City Hall last night, Seneca issued a short statement declaring an end to the civil litigation involving the death of a 19-year old man last summer in a restaurant parking lot.  The settlement awards the estate of Zachary Hammond more than $2 million.  Identical statements by the city and the law firm representing the Hammond family read:  “The family of Zachary Hammond, along with the City of Seneca, the Seneca Police Department, Chief John Covington and Lt. Mark Tiller are hereby announcing that the civil litigation involving the death of Zachary Hammond has settled for total payments to the Estate of Zachary Hammond in the amount of $2,150,000.00.  There will be no further legal proceedings between the parties.  Rather than endure a lengthy litigation process, both parties agree that an early resolution will allow a platform for healing for the Hammond family and the City of Seneca that is outside the spotlight of litigation.”  City Attorney Michael Smith said he does not know if Tiller, the officer identified as the one who shot Hammond, will remain with the police department.  According to Smith, Tiller remains on leave with pay.  The statements issued last evening did not address the status of a federal investigation involving the FBI and the Department of Justice.