Johnston family pushes settlement with Atlanta

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Two years ago today, members of Atlanta's narcotics unit illegally burst into a 92-year-old woman's home and fatally shot her.

Kathryn Johnston's death led to officers being convicted and helped spark changes to the city's narcotics unit. But a community activist says the woman's family has not gotten everything it deserves.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports
Family spokesperson Reverend Markel Hutchins is standing on the front lawn of Johnston's Vine City home.

It's the same place where Hutchins, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and city police chief Richard Pennington came last year to reflect.

HUTCHINS: "Mayor Franklin, Chief Pennington and I released doves in Ms. Johnston's honor."

However, Hutchins says the city has not legitimately addressed the family's wrongful death lawsuit.

HUTCHINS: "But today 365 after the anniversary when we stood together I must now challenge them to do right by Ms. Johnston's family and settle the lawsuit."

The family wants to settle out of court for an undisclosed sum. They also want a formal apology and an assurance the city will erect a permanent memorial for Johnston.