WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderJudge approves Bachman settlement

Judge approves Bachman settlement

By Katie Nilsson

ROCKFORD (WREX)-

Less than 24 hours after Winnebago County approves another 1.5 million dollars for the Bachmans, a Winnebago County judge does too.  Bachman's lawyer tells us it was about more than money. The settlement inlcudes a promise that the Sheriff will make a public statement accepting responsibility for Deputy Joseph Boomer's actions.

Almost four years ago Winnebago County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Boomer was driving the squad car that hit the Bachmans.   Kori was driving their car.  Brothers Aaron and D-J died, Kori was left with permanant brain damage.  Since then, the Bachmans have been fighting for the police to admit the crash wasn't Kori's fault.  Family attorney Dan McGrail says,  "While Kori Bachman lay in a hospital room in a coma, unable to defend herself the Sheriff's Department conducted an investigation that essentially put the blame on her."

The Bachmans already agreed to accept 15.5 million dollars for Kori and Aaron.  This last settlement is for D-J.   Mcgrail says the family wouldn't have accepted it, without a statement and internal investigation from Sheriff Meyers. "There is a committment by the Sheriff in his department that there will be a full internal affairs investigation conducted as soon as this civil case is over, so the Bachman's, as part of their pursuit of justice are looking forward to that investigation.

Last year, Deputy Boomer was cleared by a jury in the criminal case brought against him by the Attorney General's office.    The family says that "From the beginning we stated that our goal was to pursue the truth, seek justice on behalf of Aaron, D-J and Kori and prevent other families from experiencing this type of loss and devastation.   Lawyers say this deal provides them with as least some closure.   "In terms of getting over something like this, I think we all know there's really no getting over it."

Representatives from the county tell say they can't comment on the lawsuit until a judge dismisses it.   According to the Winnebago County State's Attorney's office, that could take a month.