State Agrees to Pay $2.5 Million in Inmate’s Death

SAN FRANCISCO — After a stinging jury verdict, the state announced a $2.5-million settlement Thursday with the family of a prisoner who was shot to death by a San Quentin guard.

A U.S. District Court jury awarded $2.3 million Nov. 30 to the mother and widow of convicted murderer Mark Adams, who was killed while fighting with another prisoner in March 1994. The jury found not only that the guard had used excessive force but also that the state prison system director and San Quentin warden were personally responsible for an unconstitutional policy on lethal force.

In announcing the settlement, the corrections department denounced the verdict and said it had agreed to the settlement to save taxpayers more legal costs. The $2.5 million includes attorneys’ fees.

In November, a panel reviewing shootings by guards at Corcoran State Prison between 1989 and 1995 found unjustified use of force in the shootings of inmates, seven of them fatal. Current Director Cal Terhune has said he is revising department policy to prohibit the use of guns to break up fights.