In Denver, a Colorado city has agreed to a substantial settlement of nearly $2.8 million in a lawsuit brought by the mother of a man who was killed by the police in 2021. The lawsuit was filed by Kathleen Boleyn in June 2022, a year following a midday shooting incident that occurred in the main square of Olde Town Arvada, a historic shopping and entertainment area located approximately 7 miles northwest of downtown Denver.
Boleyn's son, Johnny Hurley, is remembered for his courageous actions during the incident. He had heroically intervened to stop a gunman, Ronald Troyke, who had just fatally shot Officer Gordon Beesley. Troyke, who was shot by Hurley and subsequently died, had shown an intent to harm as many officers as possible that day.
Johnny Hurley, 40, was described as a talented chef who enjoyed activities such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and winter camping. He possessed a beautiful singing voice and was known for his impressive dance moves. Kathleen Boleyn emphasized that her son's heroic spirit had left an indelible mark on the world.
The lawsuit contended that Hurley was not in a threatening position when he was shot. Witnesses testified that Hurley was crouched down with his rifle pointing downward, and he was taking the magazine out of a rifle that he had taken away from the shooter.
A district attorney investigation ultimately cleared the officer, Kraig Brownlow, who shot Hurley. The investigation suggested that, from the officer's perspective, it appeared Hurley was either reloading the rifle or attempting to make repairs. District Attorney Alexis King explained that Brownlow believed Hurley might be a second shooter and had only a brief moment to prevent potential harm to others.
In a joint statement, the Rathod Mohamedbhai law firm and the city of Arvada acknowledged that Hurley's actions had saved lives that day and described his bravery and selflessness as unforgettable. They announced the settlement, recognizing the difficult circumstances for all involved.
Boleyn expressed her belief in her son's heroism, with many witnesses and community members attesting to his courageous actions on that fateful day. She mentioned that people have approached her, tearfully recounting that they owe their lives to what her son did.
Johnny Hurley's actions occurred on June 21, 2021, when he was one of three officers who heard gunshots and spotted Ronald Troyke from inside a nearby police substation. At the time, the officers inside the substation were unaware that Officer Beesley had been shot or that Hurley had intervened.
The lawsuit alleged that Brownlow and the two other officers had "cowered" inside the substation, prioritizing self-preservation over the defense of civilians. It was only when Brownlow saw Hurley with Troyke's gun that he opened the door and shot Hurley from behind without issuing a warning.
The lawsuit argued that Hurley's death resulted from a deliberate and unlawful use of deadly force and was not a result of a misfortunate split-second judgment error.
When asked about forgiving the officer, Boleyn reflected on her journey, stating, "For a long time, I knew that my spirit forgave him. But as Johnny’s mother, I struggled with how to do that. But time has passed. I am stronger."
Meanwhile, a Florida man has been found guilty by a jury for the tragic death of his 13-year-old daughter, whom he strangled and beat before placing her lifeless body in a garbage bag and burying her in a shallow grave at a nature preserve near Tampa, according to prosecutors. See detailed story here
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