Jordan Davis’ parents settle suit ; 17-year-old son killed at gas station;trial of accused shooter starts Feb. 3

More than a year after their son's death, Jordan Davis' parents settled a lawsuit against the man charged with shooting and killing the 17-year-old Wolfson High School student.

Ron Davis and Lucia McBath filed five civil complaints against Michael David Dunn. Dunn, 47, is facing murder charges for killing Jordan Davis in a dispute about loud music at a Southside Gate gas station Nov. 23, 2012.

Tanya Booth-Brunson and Carlene Thompson, parents of two of the three others in the car with Davis, also filed a case against Dunn. Brunson and Thompson's case and Davis and McBath's case filed dismissals Dec. 30 with settlements, records show.

Davis and McBath's case said they suffered when Dunn killed their son and then claimed their son was violent, which they say isn't true.

Their attorney, John Phillips, said that throughout the civil case they were asking for the same amount of money, though he didn't reveal the amount.

"I wanted to settle it [the case] the day that I got it," Phillips said. "Whether $10 or $10 million, the amount doesn't matter. It's symbolic."

Dunn is claiming self-defense, saying he saw a shotgun protruding from the red Dodge Durango where Davis was sitting. Police never found a gun.

McBath and Ron Davis "wanted closure as soon as possible," Phillips said. "We were frankly a little surprised [Dunn] accepted our offer."

Dunn's criminal trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 3. Davis' parents won't talk publicly, Phillips said, so that they don't make it harder to find jurors.

Dunn's insurance company, Progressive Select Insurance, has also been challenging its duty to cover the lawsuit, and on Dec. 18 asked for extra time while it explained why the company shouldn't be held responsible. In his criminal trial, Dunn has been declared broke.

Phillips said that case will soon be dismissed as well.Andrew Pantazi: (904) 359-4310