UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A federal judge has approved a $3.25 million settlement in the case of Malcolm Staton, a 30-year-old father who was shot and killed by Union County Sheriff’s deputies in 2022 in front of his girlfriend and children.

The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed recently by Staton’s family against Union County.

The settlement includes $2,437,500 for Staton’s estate and $812,500 for his girlfriend, Cree Faulkner, who was in the vehicle with him at the time of the shooting.

The incident happened on March 15, 2022, in the parking lot of a gas station in Monroe. Deputies had attempted to stop Staton’s vehicle, and according to surveillance footage cited by the family, he was trying to drive away when deputies opened fire. • Photos: The Cochran Firm/Court Do

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