information from the City of Seattle

City Attorney Pete Holmes announced today that the City of Seattle has agreed to settle the lawsuit brought by Delvonn Heckard against the City and former Mayor Ed Murray. As part of the settlement, the City will pay Mr. Heckard $150,000.

“With this settlement, the City takes an important step in putting this sad chapter behind us, limiting litigation expenses, and allowing Mr. Heckard to move forward with his life,” said City Attorney Holmes. “Mr. Beauregard and I personally spent many hours working on this settlement over the hectic holiday season, and together we fashioned our best opportunity for healing for all.”

“I agree with the City Attorney that settling this lawsuit is the right thing to do and allows our City to begin to heal. As someone who has represented victims of sexual assault, I know this has caused a lot of pain and trauma for Mr. Heckard as well as many survivors,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.

The parties are preparing final documents, and once those are complete Lincoln Beauregard, Mr. Heckard’s attorney, will dismiss the lawsuit.

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Delvonn Heckard accused Mayor Ed Murray of sexual abuse in the 1980's which led to Murray's withdrawal from the mayoral race and his eventual resignation from office.