NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (August 15, 2025) — A petition filed in the Surrogate’s Court of New York, Westchester County, on August 1, 2025, seeks approval to compromise a wrongful death claim on behalf of an infant beneficiary related to Jarrel Garris’ death, and requests court permission to settle the claim for $200,000 and execute a general release.
The petition, submitted by Tyisha Katie Pompey as the mother and guardian of Garris’ son, who will turn 14 later this month, is titled “Petition for Infant Compromise Order” under File No. 2023-3100, in the matter of Raymond Fowler as Administrator of the estate of Jarrel Raymond Garris.
The petitioner notes explanations from estate counsel regarding evidence, negligence laws applicable to municipalities, and risks such as summary judgment in favor of defendants.
The settlement is sought to hold the defendants accountable and provide support for the child in the absence of his father.
The $200,000 in Settlement proceeds are to be placed in an interest-bearing trust account for the child, directed by the Kings County Surrogate Court.
The petitioner seeks permission to execute a general release on behalf of the infant for any future claims, including loss of services.
On April 15, the City of New Rochelle agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Jarrel Garris.
SEE: New Rochelle Agrees to Settle Garris Lawsuit for $250,000
The settlement was to resolve the case titled “Estate of Jarrel Garris, Raymond Fowler, and Janet Garris v. City of New Rochelle and Det. Steven Conn,” filed in Westchester County Supreme Court.
The City Council approved a $250,000 settlement on April 14, 2025, though William Wagstaff, the family’s lawyer, disputed this amount, which suggests to this reporter that the total figure is above $250,000. There is as of now no petition filed in Surrogate Court seeking approval to compromise a wrongful death claim on behalf of Garris’ parents, Raymond Fowler, and Janet Garris, which will clarify the total amount of the Settlement and how much each parent will receive.
The full terms of the settlement are expected to become public record when a filing is made by the plaintiffs to formally withdraw the lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court.
We asked City Manager Wilfredo Melendez last May for clarification on the settlement. He provided the following explanation:
The City has a $250,000 self-insured retention (SIR) for certain matters, such as the Garris case. The insurance carrier (New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal) exercised its right under the policy to settle the case (presumably for an amount above $250,000) and requested payment of the City’s SIR, $250,000, which was authorized by the City Council in April.
This structure is similar in some respects to a deductible: the City is responsible for the first $250,000 of a covered claim before the insurer assumes further responsibility under the terms of the policy. Under this type of policy, the insurer retains the right to control the defense and resolution of claims, including the authority to settle matters and to require the City to tender its SIR. The insurer determined that settlement was appropriate and requested that the City contribute its portion pursuant to the SIR, which the City Council authorized.
As to the timing of the settlement: parties to litigation may agree to settle at any time, regardless of the procedural status of the case.
In this instance, the parties, after reviewing the matter, made the decision that settlement at this stage was in the best interest of all parties. While the case may not have moved far on the public docket, discussions regarding resolution can and often do take place outside of formal court milestones.
Raymond Fowler, the decedent’s father and estate administrator, has not formally accepted the Settlement and has continued advocating for his son, releasing statements on anniversaries of the incident demanding answers and Conn’s termination. A family petition for Conn’s firing was launched in July 2025.
The lawsuit stemmed from the death of Jarrel Garris, a 37-year-old Black man killed by Detective Steven Conn on July 3, 2023, following a confrontation over an alleged theft of fruit from a local grocery store. Garris died a week later on July 10, 2023.
The settlement came after a 14-month investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation, which concluded in September 2024 that Conn’s use of deadly force was legally justified because Garris had reached for an officer’s gun during a struggle. No criminal charges were filed against Conn.
On July 3, 2023, Jarrel Garris was confronted by New Rochelle Police officers outside New Rochelle Farms grocery store at 465 North Avenue, following a report of him refusing to pay after eating and drinking products in the store. The store manager called police, and officers Gabriella Chavarry and Kari Bird approached Garris, who walked away.
Detective Steven Conn arrived, attempted to handcuff Garris, and a physical struggle ensued. During the altercation, Garris gripped Officer Bird’s holster and firearm, prompting Conn to yell “gun” and fire a single shot into the back of Garris’s neck. Garris was rendered motionless, declared brain dead on July 7, 2023, and removed from life support on July 10, 2023, when he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy confirmed a single bullet wound to the neck, with PCP and marijuana metabolites present in his system.
Evidence reviewed included body-worn camera footage, store security video, the police call, witness statements, and officer interviews.
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation concluded on September 18, 2024, that Detective Conn’s use of deadly force was justified under New York Penal Law Article 35, as he reasonably believed it was necessary to prevent imminent deadly force against himself and fellow officers.
However, the Office of Special Investigation recommended updates to New Rochelle Police Department training and policies for handling petty nonviolent offenses, particularly those involving potential mental health issues.
The New Rochelle Police Department internally exonerated Conn in January 2025, stating he followed procedures.
The family filed the civil lawsuit in October 2024 against the City of New Rochelle and Detective Conn, alleging wrongful death.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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