ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The family of a New Jersey man shot and killed by a police officer near an eastern Pennsylvania amusement park in 2018 will reportedly receive part of a $950,000 settlement of a federal civil rights lawsuit against the officer and township.The (Allentown) Morning Call reports that a copy of the settlement obtained through a Right-To-Know request indicates that the administrator of the estate of Joseph Santos agreed to end the lawsuit Sept.
14.Court documents indicate that the money will be split between Santos's two adult sons and 11-year-old daughter, minus law firm fees and costs.
Attorney Joshua Karoly said it would "provide some support" to the family although "no amount of money will bring back a loving father to his three children."Attorney Joseph Santarone, who represented the officer and South Whitehall Township, said the settlement avoided the uncertainty and risk of a trial, with the money to be paid by the police department's insurance company.
None of the parties acknowledged any wrongdoing.Authorities said the officer, Jonathan Roselle, was directing traffic near Dorney Park in July 2018 when a "frantic" woman said someone had tried to enter her vehicle.