Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Civil cases settled in police shooting
The families of two Fairfax County Police officers killed in a shooting at the Sully District Police Station in 2006 will each receive $300,000 as a settlement of two civil lawsuits.
Michael Kennedy, 18, opened fire at the police station on May 8, 2006, fatally wounding Detective Vicky Armel and Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino and injuring another officer. Kennedy, who was suffering from mental illness, was shot and killed by police.
Armel, 40, of Culpeper, and Garbarino, 53, of Centreville, were both married and each had two children.
Michael Kennedy's father, Brian Kennedy, 50, of Centreville, pleaded guilty to drug and gun charges in August 2007 and is serving a 40-month prison sentence. Despite Michael's mental illness, the family kept numerous guns in the home, including an AK-47, although they were reportedly kept in gun safes.
Spouses Tyler Armel and Suzanne Garbarino sued the Kennedys for negligence and, in April, a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge ruled that the family's insurer, Liberty Mutual, would have to pay $300,000 to the Armel and Garbarino families. This was the maximum payment allowed under the Kennedys' homeowners insurance policy.
Liberty Mutual initially appealed the ruling but withdrew its appeal in July. The case was finalized and payment was issued in September, according to court records.
"They're glad to be done," said state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-Centreville), who served as the families' attorney. "This is the last in a long string of things."
You must be logged in to post a comment.