Andy Lopez was killed by Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy Erick Gelhaus on October 22, 2013. On November 4, the Lopez family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit at the U.S. District Court. Five years later, on December 18, 2018, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors reached a settlement with Andy's parents for $3 million.

The settlement does not mean Erick Gelhaus himself has avoided civil liability. Gelhaus was cleared of criminal liability after an investigation by the district attorney and never went to trial. He still works for the Sheriff’s Department, but there is a civil court case set for July of 2019.

There has been a $3.5 million park built in Andy’s honor which was completed in 2018 in his Santa Rosa neighborhood. Activists, the community and his family and friends never stopped demanding justice for Andy Lopez. Working together constantly and putting unrelenting pressure on local government is what made that park a reality.

Read More

Related Features: DA's Decision Not to Prosecute Erick Gelhaus Prompts Civil Disobedience in Santa Rosa | Youth Provide Core Support in Organizing for Justice for Andy Lopez | Strong Support Shown for Undocumented Workers, Environment, Police Victims on May Day | At Least Two Dozen Middle School Students Suspended for Demanding Justice for Andy Lopez | Traditional Nine Days of Prayer Transformed into Nine Weeks for Andy Lopez | Ten Arrested During Protest at California Attorney General Kamala Harris' Oakland Office | Santa Rosa Community Stands Up to Demand Justice for Killing of Andy Lopez