Vallejo to Pay $8.5 Million to Family of Man Killed by Police

Settlement reached in lawsuit over 2020 shooting death of Sean Monterrosa

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:33am by Ben Kaplan

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The city of Vallejo, California has agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Sean Monterrosa, a 22-year-old man who was fatally shot by a Vallejo police officer in 2020. Monterrosa's death came amid nationwide protests over police violence and renewed calls for accountability and reform within the Vallejo Police Department, which had a history of high numbers of police shootings.

Why it matters

This settlement represents a significant payout and acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the Vallejo Police Department, which has faced scrutiny over its use of force and high rate of police shootings in recent years. The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as the continued push for police reform and accountability following high-profile incidents of police violence.

The details

On June 2, 2020, Vallejo police were responding to reports of looting when they encountered a group that included Sean Monterrosa. Officer Jarrett Tonn, who was riding in the back of an unmarked police truck, fired through the windshield and struck Monterrosa in the head, killing him. Monterrosa was found to be carrying a hammer, which police mistook for a gun. Tonn had a history of prior shootings, but was cleared of wrongdoing in internal affairs investigations. He was initially fired for the Monterrosa shooting but later reinstated by an arbitrator.

  • On June 2, 2020, Sean Monterrosa was fatally shot by a Vallejo police officer.
  • The settlement was reached in March 2026, over 5 years after Monterrosa's death.

The players

Sean Monterrosa

A 22-year-old man from San Francisco who was fatally shot by a Vallejo police officer in 2020.

Officer Jarrett Tonn

The Vallejo police officer who shot and killed Sean Monterrosa in 2020. Tonn had a history of prior shootings but was cleared of wrongdoing in internal affairs investigations.

Vallejo Police Department

The police department in Vallejo, California that faced scrutiny over its high rate of police shootings and use of force, leading to reforms in the years after Monterrosa's death.

Michelle Monterrosa and Ashley Monterrosa

The sisters of Sean Monterrosa who filed the lawsuit against the Vallejo Police Department over his death.

John Coyle

The attorney representing the Monterrosa family in the lawsuit against the Vallejo Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“The loss of Sean will forever be with our family, and no settlement can ease our pain. Nonetheless, we are grateful to have reached a resolution in this case.”

— The Monterrosa family

“These reforms were sorely needed. Nevertheless, there remains more work to do in Vallejo and in police departments across the country.”

— The Monterrosa family

“There is nothing that can be done to bring back Sean, but this settlement provides the Monterrosa family with the justice they have relentlessly sought for the past five years. This resolution reflects the historical shortcomings of the Vallejo Police Department and helps place the Monterrosa family in a position to carry on Sean's legacy.”

— John Coyle, Attorney for the Monterrosa family

What’s next

In the years since Monterrosa's death, the Vallejo Police Department has increased civilian oversight, made reforms to its use-of-force policies, and expanded de-escalation training for officers. The Monterrosa family hopes these changes will help prevent future incidents of police violence.

The takeaway

This settlement represents an acknowledgment of the Vallejo Police Department's past failures and the Monterrosa family's persistence in seeking justice and demanding meaningful reforms. It underscores the ongoing need for greater police accountability and the continued push for change in law enforcement practices across the country.