Family of Man Shot By Cops Receives Nearly $1 Million

By Jaimee Wolbert

Published on January 18, 2006

In 2001, 35-year-old Indianapolis stockbroker John Leaf broke into his own residence after lending his keys to someone else. Marion County police, responding to reports of a break-in at the apartment, found Leaf asleep in his bed.

Sheriff's deputy Ronald Shelnutt claimed the shooting was self-defense, stating that he fired at the victim after Leaf awoke and lunged at the officer with a knife.

The Marion County Police Department and the officer agreed to the $950,000 settlement as jury selection for the trial was set to begin.

The defendants were apparently concerned about possible sanctions at trial. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claimed the defendants failed to provide them with requested documents related to the case in a timely manner.

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