The Tacoma City Council yesterday passed a motion to settle the lawsuit brought by the family of Crystal Judson Brame against the City of Tacoma. The agreement will provide the Judson family with $12 million, including $1 million from the City’s General Fund and $11 million from City insurance sources.

“This is the right time for the City and all parties involved in this lawsuit to put this tragic chapter behind us,” said Mayor Bill Baarsma. “This is the responsible thing to do. It is in the best interests of the Judson children and the City of Tacoma.”

In addition to the financial terms, the City of Tacoma will support naming the new Tacoma-Pierce County Family Justice Center after Crystal Judson Brame – the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.

The agreement preserves the Judson family’s right to continue their investigation of the events surrounding the death of their daughter, even after the settlement is finalized.

The City of Tacoma also agreed to continue initiatives that already have begun, such as improving its code of ethics, supporting and advocating for the passage of state and federal domestic violence legislation, obtaining police department accreditation, and implementing citizen’s oversight and the Buracker recommendations for the police department.

The Judson family claims against Mayor Baarsma will be dismissed immediately, the remaining claims, including the claim against the City of Tacoma, will be dismissed upon conclusion of the discovery process and the court’s approval of the settlement.

“The settlement will require that I personally issue a letter to the Judson family expressing my deep regret for the death of Crystal Judson Brame,” said Mayor Baarsma. “That’s an opportunity I welcome. My commitment remains steadfast to the actions, policies and changes which are aimed at preventing any similar tragedy from occurring.”