Buffalo Will Consider $4.5 Million Settlement
The city council plans to review a settlement payment for the family of a man killed in a 2017 police shooting.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Buffalo city officials are preparing to consider a $4.5 million settlement in a federal civil rights lawsuit. The case involves the 2017 shooting death of Jose Hernandez Rossy following a traffic stop by police officers.
Why it matters
The proposed settlement addresses a long-standing federal civil rights lawsuit stemming from a fatal encounter between local police and a resident. Finalizing the agreement would resolve legal claims against the city regarding the actions taken during the 2017 traffic stop.
The proposed $4.5 million settlement is currently under review following a federal civil rights lawsuit. The city council is set to vote on the agreement in October 2026.
The players
Jose Hernandez Rossy
He was the individual who died following an encounter with Buffalo police officers in 2017.
Justin Tedesco
He is the police officer who fired three shots during the traffic stop on Garfield Avenue.
Joseph Acquino
He is a police officer who was involved in the 2017 traffic stop alongside Officer Tedesco.
The details
On May 7, 2017, Officers Justin Tedesco and Joseph Acquino initiated a traffic stop on Garfield Avenue in the Black Rock neighborhood. Following a struggle, Officer Justin Tedesco fired three shots at Jose Hernandez Rossy, who died after fleeing the scene; no firearm was recovered, and Officer Joseph Acquino was not wounded.
Timeline
May 7, 2017: Officers conducted a traffic stop that led to the shooting death of Jose Hernandez Rossy.
Wednesday: The Common Council Claims Committee will deliberate on the proposed settlement.
October 2026: The full council is scheduled to cast a final vote on the payment.
Legal Context
The proposed settlement follows a pattern set by the 2017 Buffalo police shooting incident, establishing a financial resolution for the civil rights claims brought by the family. This move reflects ongoing efforts in the jurisdiction to resolve long-standing federal litigation involving police conduct.
This settlement process highlights the city's approach to resolving major civil rights litigation involving local law enforcement. Residents may see continued public attention on police department policies and municipal spending as the council moves toward a final vote.
The takeaway
This settlement represents a significant financial and legal conclusion to a high-profile case from 2017. The upcoming council vote serves as the final step in determining how the city will address the civil rights claims filed by the Hernandez Rossy family.
What happens next
The Common Council Claims Committee will meet this Wednesday to discuss the terms of the $4.5 million settlement. Subsequently, the full Buffalo City Council is scheduled to hold a final vote on the matter in October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on police oversight and municipal legal proceedings, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBW.
