LA County Approves $6.5M Settlement in Fatal Shooting of Sword-Wielding Palmdale Man

Lawsuit alleged excessive force by deputies responding to domestic violence call

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered sword blade reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually representing the violence and tragedy of a fatal police shooting.A $6.5 million settlement highlights the tragic consequences when law enforcement encounters individuals in mental health crises.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a $6.5 million settlement of a federal lawsuit stemming from the 2023 fatal shooting of Everett Byram, a 34-year-old Palmdale man who allegedly assaulted his wife and waved a sword at responding sheriff's deputies, one of whom opened fire.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions around law enforcement's use of force, especially in incidents involving mental health crises. It also raises questions about how police respond to domestic violence calls and whether alternative approaches could de-escalate such volatile situations.

The details

According to county documents, deputies responded to the Byram home on February 10, 2023 after Everett Byram's wife called 911 to report he had assaulted her. She told the dispatcher her husband was intoxicated but not armed. When deputies arrived, they found Byram in the backyard wielding a sword, which he allegedly raised while advancing toward them and yelling 'shoot me.' After repeatedly ordering Byram to drop the sword, one deputy opened fire, fatally striking him in the head, while another fired a less-lethal round.

  • On February 10, 2023, deputies responded to a domestic violence call at the Byram home.
  • In 2024, the LA County District Attorney's Office concluded the deputy who shot Byram acted lawfully in self-defense.
  • On April 14, 2026, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a $6.5 million settlement of the federal lawsuit filed by Byram's wife.

The players

Everett Byram

A 34-year-old Palmdale man who was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy after allegedly assaulting his wife and wielding a sword.

Ursula Byram

Everett Byram's wife, who sued the county and sheriff's department over his shooting death, alleging wrongful death and excessive force.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that approved the $6.5 million settlement of the federal lawsuit.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency whose deputies were involved in the fatal shooting of Everett Byram.

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What’s next

The settlement still needs to be finalized and approved by a federal judge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces when responding to domestic violence calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. It underscores the need for better training, resources, and alternative approaches to de-escalate such volatile situations and prevent unnecessary loss of life.