East Austin angry at Sanders decision

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The police shooting of Nathaniel Sanders is not the first controversy involving East Austin and the police and city hall. But many East siders say they see a disturbing pattern, and they are angry and disappointed at the Austin City Council's rejection on Thursday rejection of a $750,000 settlement for the family of Nathaniel Sanders II, shot and killed by Austin police in 2009.

Nearly a day later, everyone KXAN approached Friday knew of council's vote, and everyone had a comment about it.

Click here for a timeline of the events since Nathaniel Sanders died.

At the weekly yard sale for the poor at the Ministry of Challenge, Dwayne Sutton believed the family deserves something in return for the shooting, which many feel was not justified.

"I think the officer should pay. I don't think taxpayers should be responsible," Sutton said.

At a street corner game of dominoes, B.J. Lewis notes: "I'm not going to say the city is racist. It's just that some people, because they get commissioned with a badge and gun, think they can do anything they want. That family is grieving hard. I wonder if that officer is feeling the same grief."

At Marshall's barber shop, it seemed everyone had an opinion.

Brett Sullivan said: "It's a slap in the face, because it keeps happening. People in this community keep waiting for some kind of acknowledgement but we don't get nothing."

Customer Will Wilson remarked: "You can't put money on a person's life. This goes to show you about the city of Austin."

And barber Vic Reese added: "I can't believe they didn't award the family money. It's a slap in the face, and it's a pattern here in Austin. When's it gonna end, bro?"

Most everyone added they think the Sanders family should continue their fight against the city.

The rejection of the offer means the lawsuit will continue on to trial, unless the city and Sanders' attorneys can come up with another settlement.