The family of a Navajo Nation man who was fatally shot by a police officer in Farmington, New Mexico, is ready to go to trial on a wrongful death lawsuit.

Clint John, 21, was shot four times by officer Shawn Scott in June 2006. Police were responding to a domestic violence complaint at a Wal-Mart parking lot involving John's girlfriend.

The lawsuit alleges Scott, who is now a sergeant, battered John, wrongfully killed him and violated his constitutional rights. A trial is set for November 3 though the family says it is open to a settlement.

The shooting, along with the beating of a Navajo man by three white males, heightened racial tensions in Farmington and led to the creation of a community relations commission.

Get the Story:
Cop's trial remains in limbo in wrongful death suit (The Farmington Daily Times 10/22)

Related Stories:
Navajo woman on community relations commission (10/9)
Editorial: City, tribe break promises on racism (9/25)
Letter: Farmington is not a racist community (9/22)
Navajo man chairs community relations commission (9/15)
Navajo family sues police over shooting death (7/16)
Navajo family to sue city for police shooting (9/8)