The children of Joseph Santos, the New Jersey man killed by a police officer while his family celebrated a birthday at Dorney Park, will receive part of a $950,000 settlement ending their lawsuit against the officer and South Whitehall Township.
According to a copy of the settlement obtained by The Morning Call through a Right-to-Know request, Santos’ fiancee, Juliana Valenzuela, who administered his estate, agreed to end the federal civil rights lawsuit Sept. 14. According to court documents, the money will be split between Santos’ two adult sons and 11-year-old daughter, with a share going to the Karoly Law Firm for fees and costs. It is one of two lawsuits against the township and police officers that concluded with settlements in September.
