The case involving the wrongful conviction of the late William Amor has been put to rest, with City of Naperville officials agreeing to pay a $25.5 million settlement to his estate.
The City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 17, approved a settlement agreement that comes six-and-a-half years after Amor was found not guilty in a second trial of murdering his mother-in-law in 1995. In the retrial, Judge Liam Brennan in DuPage County Court had ruled the prosecution did not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Timeline of reaching settlement in Amor case
The settlement agreement was included in the City Council’s consent agenda at the recent meeting, and none of the councilmembers opted to pull it or discuss its terms. The vote in favor of the settlement amount and terms was unanimous.
City Attorney Michael DiSanto addressed the steps that led to the settlement, which include a stipulation the City of Naperville will not appeal the case.
“After engaging in motion practice, extensive discovery and a trial, the parties reached a settlement resolving this matter, subject to City Council approval,” DiSanto wrote in the memo.
The settlement named Jeanne Olson, who is serving as a trustee of the William Amor Trust. Amor died last year.
Amendment of 2024 budget necessary
Terms of the settlement include a $7.5 million budget transfer within the city’s budget, finalized through the adoption of an ordinance, to account for its share of the settlement costs. The city’s insurer will cover the balance.
The council at the Sept. 17 meeting also voted to amend the 2024 budget to account for the settlement payment and terms.
“This settlement payment was not contemplated in the 2024 annual budget,” DiSanto wrote. “Therefore, it is necessary to amend the budget.”
A self-insurance fund within the budget is being tapped to cover the city’s direct cost of the settlement. DiSanto indicated the fund has a cash reserve balance in excess of $10 million.
Settlement not an admission
The 6-page release and settlement agreement includes a number of statements and provisions, including no admission of wrongdoing.
“The parties and their respective attorneys acknowledge that settlement of this case is not an admission of liability, or of unconstitutional or illegal conduct by or on the part of any defendant and/or the City of Naperville’s future, current or former officers, agents and employees,” the agreement states.
It also indicates the terms “shall not serve as evidence of any wrongdoing by or on the part of any defendant and/or the City of Naperville’s future, current or former officers, agents and employees.”
Speaking to the intent behind the resolution at this time, the agreement states, “The parties and their respective attorneys further acknowledge that settlement is made to avoid the uncertainty of the outcome of litigation and the expense in time and money of further litigation and for the purpose of judicial economy.”
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