The family of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield says it is gearing up for a courtroom showdown with the city of Aurora, announcing plans to file wrongful-death and emotional-distress lawsuits after he was shot and killed by an Aurora Police officer during an attempted traffic stop in August 2025. Attorneys said they have already submitted two notices of claim and told reporters each planned suit will seek at least $20 million in damages. Belt-Stubblefield, 37, was killed after the traffic stop, and his 19-year-old son witnessed the shooting.
Family Files Notices of Claim, Seeks $20 Million
Speaking outside the Aurora Municipal Center, the family’s legal team described the filings as a necessary legal step toward accountability and outlined their intent to pursue civil claims against the city and the officer involved. The attorneys said they filed two notices on Monday and that both suits will seek at least $20 million, according to Denver7.
Bodycam Shows Officer Backing Into Roadway Before Shots
The Aurora Police Department released body-worn camera footage that shows the moments before and after the shooting, including officers’ commands and a struggle following a crash. Video reviewed by local outlets and released by the department shows the officer retreating into the roadway and firing three times, two shots to the torso and a final shot to the head, as Belt-Stubblefield advanced, according to a release from the City of Aurora.
Family and Attorneys Call for Transparency
National civil-rights attorney Ben Crump joined the family and local co-counsel at the news conference and demanded full transparency from the city, saying the footage raises serious questions about the officer’s use of force, per Ben Crump Law. Family lawyers also argued that the officer’s tactics escalated the encounter and questioned whether backup or less-lethal options should have been used instead, according to reporting by the Denver Gazette.
Department Response and Ongoing Reviews
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain has defended the officer’s actions, saying he was alone, outnumbered and “backed into the street” when the encounter escalated. The department says its internal investigation is still underway and that the 18th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team is conducting an independent review. APD has said the officer involved has returned to full duty with the traffic unit…