ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Anchorage city officials announced a $2.1 million settlement with the family of Easter Leafa, a 16-year-old girl fatally shot by a police officer last August while holding a knife.
Details of the Settlement and Incident
The settlement comes after a meeting between Police Chief Sean Case and Leafa’s family, city officials said Thursday. Specific terms were not disclosed.
- Attorney Darryl Thompson confirmed the settlement amount and praised the family’s dignity and grace.
- State prosecutors ruled last fall that the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified.
According to the state Office of Special Prosecutions, officers responded after a call from one of Leafa’s sisters, who said Easter was trying to stab her.
The report found the officer “reasonably believed” he or others were in imminent danger.
Background and Community Response
Easter Leafa had recently moved from American Samoa and was still learning English, her family said.
She was one of seven people shot by Anchorage police in a three-month period in 2024.
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance expressed gratitude toward the family for prioritizing healing and emphasized the challenges police officers face daily.
Moving Forward
LaFrance said the settlement aims to spare the family and community from reliving the tragedy in court and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting law enforcement resources.
Information sourced from:
- Anchorage Mayor’s Office
- Office of Special Prosecutions, Alaska
- Statements from family attorney Darryl Thompson
