Raleigh Settles Lawsuit After Trooper Misconduct
A $200,000 settlement follows the firing of two state troopers for concealing a fatal pursuit.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A judge approved a $200,000 settlement in July 2026 for the family of Tyrone Mason, who died in an October 7, 2024, vehicle crash. The state subsequently fired two officers who were found to have lied about initiating a pursuit.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding officer transparency and the impact of misconduct on the judicial process. Consequently, nearly 200 cases involving the two former troopers were dismissed by the District Attorney due to credibility issues.
A $200,000 settlement was finalized in July 2026 to resolve a federal lawsuit filed by Henrietta Mason. Authorities previously dismissed nearly 200 cases involving Trooper Garrett Macario and Sergeant Matthew Morrison due to credibility concerns.
The players
Henrietta Mason
She is the mother of the deceased and the lead plaintiff in the successful civil litigation against the state.
Garrett Macario
He is a former North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who was fired for his conduct during the fatal 2024 traffic stop.
Matthew Morrison
He is a former North Carolina Highway Patrol sergeant who was terminated after instructing a subordinate to conceal evidence.
Lorrin Freeman
She serves as the District Attorney who dismissed nearly 200 cases due to the credibility issues of the involved troopers.
James Jaime
He is a witness who provided critical information regarding the siren and speed of vehicles before the fatal collision.
The details
Henrietta Mason secured the settlement after obtaining body camera footage that contradicted official reports regarding the crash on Capital Boulevard. The lawsuit alleged that Trooper Garrett Macario engaged in a dangerous pursuit and failed to provide aid, while Sergeant Matthew Morrison instructed him to hide the incident from Raleigh police.
Timeline
October 7, 2024: Tyrone Mason died in a fatal vehicle crash on Capital Boulevard.
November 2024: Witness James Jaime provided information about the crash.
December 23, 2024: Henrietta Mason contacted the State Bureau of Investigation.
January 31, 2025: Henrietta Mason viewed the official Highway Patrol footage.
May 21, 2025: Henrietta Mason filed a federal lawsuit.
Legal Context
The termination of these officers follows the North Carolina State Highway Patrol internal conduct policies, which mandate truthful reporting during investigations. This case marks an application of these standards after a failure to report a pursuit.
Residents in Raleigh may see broader impacts on the local justice system as the District Attorney continues to process the fallout from the dismissed cases. The settlement serves as a milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to ensure accountability within the Highway Patrol.
The takeaway
Transparency in police investigations remains a critical element for public trust and the legitimacy of the judicial system. Families seeking accountability for misconduct can utilize legal discovery to challenge inconsistent official accounts.
Further reading
For additional context on local policing policies, visit the Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlanta Black Star.
