Kel Kelly from Boston, left, and Flossie Gaile from Hampton, Va., center, stand in protest during the "Justice For All" march on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C. The family of Eric Garner settled with the city of New York over his death after being put in a chokehold by an officer. His final words, "I can't breathe," inspired protest signs across the country. File Photo by Gabriella Demczuk/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- New York City on Monday agreed to pay $5.9 million to settle a suit brought by the family of Eric Garner, a man who died after being placed in a chokehold by police last year.

Nearly one year to the day of Garner's death, his family, including widow Esaw Garner and his mother, Gwen Carr, agreed to accept $5.9 million in a deal arranged by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.


Earlier in the day, they refused $5 million to settle their $75 million lawsuit.

"The City of New York has agreed to pay $5.9 million to resolve the Garner case," said Jonathan Moore, the lawyer representing Garner's family.

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The father of six died July 17, 2014, after New York police Officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in a chokehold against department policy. Garner told police he couldn't breathe as he was wrestled to the ground.

Garner, who was unarmed, had been suspected of selling untaxed cigarettes on the sidewalk.

Pantaleo was not indicted for his role in Garner's death, prompting global protests over police brutality and discrimination.

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Stringer said the settlement was meant to save the city's taxpayers the costs of a potentially lengthy court battle and bring closure to Garner's family.

"Following a judicious review of the claim and facts of this case, my office was able to reach a settlement with the estate of Eric Garner that is in the best interests of all parties," Stringer said in a statement. "We are all familiar with the events that led to the death of Eric Garner and the extraordinary impact his passing has had on our city and our nation. It forced us to examine the state of race relations, and the relationship between our police force and the people they serve."

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