The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
33°F
Current Conditions
Mist
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Family of man shot and killed by police in Spokane Walmart file $50 million claim

Investigators say 33-year-old Tylor Forester assaulted a police officer who was trying to arrest theft suspect 34-year-old Kerry Jones-Hilburg before an officer shot and killed Jones-Hilburg at the north Spokane Walmart last year. (Courtesy of Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team)
By Emry Dinman emryd@spokesman.com(509) 459-5472
Investigators say 33-year-old Tylor Forester assaulted a police officer who was trying to arrest theft suspect 34-year-old Kerry Jones-Hilburg before an officer shot and killed Jones-Hilburg at the north Spokane Walmart last year. (Courtesy of Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team)

The family of Kerry Jones-Hilburg, the 34-year-old man who was shot and killed by police in a Spokane Walmart on Dec. 3, 2023, has filed a legal claim against the city demanding $50 million in damages.

Jones-Hilburg was reportedly attempting to shoplift from the Walmart when he was confronted by two Spokane police officers and attempted to run. Body camera footage shows he was hit by a stun gun and knocked to the floor by one of the officers. Officers shot him after he allegedly reached for a gun in a shoulder holster.

Jones-Hilburg died at the scene. In October, the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office determined the officer who shot and killed him was justified in his actions.

Jones-Hilburg’s father and children are being represented by Rondi Thorp, David Turplesmith and Jodi Thorp. In their tort claim, a required step before filing a lawsuit, they allege that Spokane police officers negligently used excessive force when they shot and killed Jones-Hilburg and failed to de-escalate the situation.

SPD declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.