Jamar Clark’s family want Justine Damond payout matched by Minneapolis

The family of an African American man shot dead by US police have demanded officials match the $29 million payout given to the family of Australian Justine Ruszczyk Damond.

Justine Ruszczyk Damond. Picture: Stephen Govel

The family of an African American man shot dead by Minneapolis police are demanding a $US20 million ($A29 million) payout equal to what the family of Australian life coach Justine Ruszczyk-Damond received.

Jamar Clark’s father said Damond and her family were treated differently because they are white.

Jamar Clark, who was fatally shot in a confrontation with police in 2015. Picture: AP

Australian woman Justine Damond. Picture: Nathan Edwards

“There’s no justice for black people,” James Clark told a rally outside Minneapolis’ federal courthouse.

“White people get all the justice”.

Demonstrators raise their fists in the air at the Government Centre in Minneapolis during a protest over two Minneapolis police officers fatally shooting Jamar Clark. Picture: AP

Chalk messages and signs left where Justine Damond was killed by Minneapolis Police. Picture: Supplied

Jamar Clark, 24, was shot in 2015 during a scuffle with two white Minneapolis police officers.

The police officers were not charged.

Damond, 40, originally from Sydney’s northern beaches, was shot dead by Somali-American police officer Mohamed Noor after she called 911 in 2017 to report a woman screaming in an alley behind her Minneapolis home.

Justine Damond’s father John Ruszczyk. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Justine Damond's fiance Don Damond Picture: Nathan Edwards

A jury found Noor guilty last month of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter and he faces a 12.5-year prison term when sentenced on June 7.

Damond’s father John Ruszczyk and brother Jason filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis last year and just days after the jury’s guilty verdict the city agreed to pay the family a record $US20 million.

Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor was found guilty of third degree murder. Picture: AFP

Mr Clark’s family filed a civil lawsuit in 2017 against the city but the parties have not come to an agreement.

Settlement talks continue.

“We want Jamar Clark’s family to get a settlement equal to what Justine’s family got,” Angel Smith El, a member of the Twin Cities Coalition 4 Jamar, said.

“If Justine’s life is worth $US20 million so is Jamar’s.”

Australian woman, Justine Ruszczyk Damond with partner Don Damond. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Jamar Clark’s family want Justine Damond payout matched by Minneapolis