Seattle, WA — After two and a half-week trial, a jury has found Summer Taylor, a peaceful protester tragically killed on Interstate 5 during a Black Lives Matter protest on July 4, 2020, was not at fault. The jury determined that Taylor was not engaged in any illegal activity, violation of law, or regulation.
“The State attempted to paint our child a criminal… the jury disagreed. Let us all honor Summer’s memory by living with compassion, moving forward without fear, and boldly rejecting beliefs & practices that harm and hold us back. Today is another step toward a more perfect union” -Dalia Taylor, Summer Taylor’s mother.
The jury placed full responsibility on Dawit Kelete, who is currently serving a sentence for driving while impaired, driving the wrong way up an off-ramp, and striking the protesters. The jury calculated damages of $6 million on behalf of the Estate of Summer Taylor. The State of Washington was not found liable, with 10 of the 12 jurors voting in the State’s favor.
“We don’t think the jury should have let the state off the hook. But they did. So be it.” – Karen Koehler
The Plaintiffs were represented by:
- Attorneys in trial: Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, Shannon Kilpatrick
- Attorneys assisting: Furhad Sultani, Lisa Benedetti, Gemma Zanowski
- Paralegals: Kristin Michaud, Anne Roberson, Rory Larson
