Washington Police Shot Woman 11 Times After Boyfriend's Plea for Help; Family Awarded $2 Million

The family of Katelyn Rose Smith, a 30-year-old woman fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis, will receive $2 million as a settlement for a wrongful death lawsuit. The incident occurred on January 1, 2024, in Longview, Washington.According to the civil complaint, Smith’s boyfriend dialed 911 after taking a firearm from her, informing dispatch that she was attempting to access weapons to commit suicide. When law enforcement arrived, he was restraining her outside to prevent her from retrieving the firearms. Officers instructed him to let her go, resulting in her returning inside the home with an unloaded gun. Authorities opened fire when she allegedly aimed the firearm at them, hitting her 23 times, including multiple shots to vital areas. The lawsuit claims the use of lethal force was inappropriate given officers had access to non-lethal alternatives. Smith's tragic death highlights critical flaws in police response to mental health emergencies. She is survived by her mother and children, aged 9 and 14.