WARREN — The city of Niles has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit involving the estate of Matthew Burroughs, according to a court document filed recently.

The settlement, approved by the Trumbull County Probate Court, brings an end to the legal dispute surrounding Burroughs’ death in 2019 when he was fatally shot by police.

Judge Thomas A. Swift signed off on the settlement after reviewing documentation and hearing from attorneys representing the estate, including Thomas G. Carey Jr., Kevin Murphy and Nicholas A. DiCello.

The settlement will be distributed to Burroughs’ beneficiaries, with the majority of the proceeds going to his minor children. The court allocated the entire $2 million settlement to wrongful death claims, with no portion assigned to survival claims.

After attorney fees and expenses totaling approximately $722,000 were deducted, $1,241,691 remains for distribution to the beneficiaries. Among the primary recipients are Burroughs’ two minor children who will each receive $500,000 through structured settlements. Additionally, wrongful death trusts will be established for both children, with $78,345.50 deposited into each trust.

Other beneficiaries include family members who were directly impacted by Burroughs’ death.

Guardians were appointed to manage the trusts and ensure the children’s best interests are protected. Curtis J. Ambrosy, who acted as a guardian, was awarded $7,895.55 for his services.

The court approved reimbursements for funeral costs, paying $1,998.20 to Sabrina Mickel and $1,975.24 to Sophia Glenn, who helped cover burial expenses.

Additionally, $24,828.50 was approved for Thomas Carey, the estate administrator, along with $464.58 to cover costs incurred by his law firm, Harrington Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd.

Burroughs was shot and killed by Niles police officers during a traffic stop in January 2019. Police claimed he was a threat because he tried to flee in his car.

However, a 2023 filing in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals revealed inconsistencies in the officers’ statements.

The appellate court pointed out that although Burroughs had a previous confrontation with the police, evidence showed he was following their commands when he was shot. The court referenced legal precedents stating that deadly force is only justified if there is an immediate danger to officers or the public. The case was sent back for further proceedings, which eventually led to the settlement.