Dallas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The city of Dallas is in negotiations with former police officer Christopher Hess regarding a potential settlement after he was fired for fatally shooting Genevive Dawes during a 2017 incident. A scheduled civil service trial has been postponed as both sides explore settlement options, with a deadline set for November 14. Hess seeks back pay after being acquitted in a criminal trial. The case draws significant public interest due to the fatal shooting and complications arising from Hess’s termination after multiple internal investigations.
Dallas — The city of Dallas is negotiating a settlement with former police officer Christopher Hess, who was fired after fatally shooting Genevive Dawes in 2017. A two-day civil service trial that had been scheduled to begin on Wednesday was postponed while both sides explore a possible settlement. Hess, 48, is seeking years of back pay following his termination.
Key developments
The postponement of the civil service hearing came after negotiations accelerated and the Civil Service Board, chaired by Terrence Welch, set a clear deadline for resolution. The board has set a deadline of November 14 for both sides to inform if a settlement has been reached. If a settlement is not reached by the deadline, the board will schedule a new trial date.
The case traces back to a Jan. 18, 2017, on-duty shooting in which Hess fired 12 rounds at 21-year-old Genevive Dawes as she reversed an SUV into a squad car. At the time, Dawes was sleeping in a Dodge Journey reported stolen; her family says she was unaware it was stolen. Investigators found that Hess faced both criminal prosecution and civil litigation related to the incident but was cleared in both cases. The jury found Hess not guilty in February 2020.
Personnel and procedural notes
Hess was fired by then-interim police Chief David Pughes for various infractions, including improper use of deadly force and dereliction of duty. Prior to his termination, Hess had been the subject of at least 10 internal investigations for alleged excessive force, most of which were cleared due to “insufficient evidence.”
A key witness in the matter, Sgt. Joseph Naines, is retiring on November 4. As a precaution, the city took his deposition ahead of that retirement to preserve his testimony for any future proceedings. The civil service hearing postponement gives both sides time to consider settlement terms while preserving the option of renewing the trial schedule if negotiations fail.
Legal history and claims
Hess previously faced a criminal trial on a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant. During that trial, he argued that he feared for the lives of other officers at the scene when he fired on Dawes. The criminal jury returned a not-guilty verdict in February 2020. Separately, the Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of the officers on qualified-immunity grounds in a federal lawsuit filed by the Dawes family against the city and officers, including Hess.
Following his acquittal in criminal court and the federal court decision, the administrative process examining Hess’s conduct continued, culminating in his removal from the department and the civil service challenge to that firing. The settlement discussions now under way would resolve the department’s administrative firing decision and Hess’s claim for back pay if an agreement is reached by the Civil Service Board’s November 14 deadline.
What could happen next
If both sides inform the Civil Service Board by the November 14 deadline that a settlement has been reached, the matter would conclude administratively and the postponed two-day civil service trial would not be necessary. If no settlement is announced by that date, the board will set a new trial date to resume the administrative hearing process. The deposition of Sgt. Joseph Naines and the recent exchange of documentary materials are part of routine preparation for either outcome.
Context and public interest
The case remains of public interest due to the fatal on-duty shooting, the criminal and civil litigation that followed, and the internal records of multiple prior internal investigations into Hess’s conduct. The combination of a criminal acquittal, a federal qualified-immunity ruling, and an administrative firing creates separate but related tracks of legal and personnel review. The pending settlement talks and the Civil Service Board’s deadline will determine whether the administrative matter is resolved quietly through agreement or proceeds to a contested hearing.
FAQ
What is the current status of the case?
The city of Dallas is negotiating a settlement with former police officer Christopher Hess, who was fired after fatally shooting Genevive Dawes in 2017.
Why was the civil service trial postponed?
A two-day civil service trial set to begin on Wednesday was postponed as parties explore a settlement.
What is Hess seeking in the settlement?
Hess, 48, is seeking years of back pay following his termination.
What happened in the original incident?
The shooting incident occurred on January 18, 2017, when Hess fired 12 rounds at 21-year-old Dawes as she reversed an SUV into a squad car.
What did investigators determine about legal outcomes?
Investigators found that Hess faced both criminal prosecution and civil litigation related to the incident but was cleared in both cases.
What is the Civil Service Board’s timeline?
The Civil Service Board, chaired by Terrence Welch, has set a deadline of November 14 for both sides to inform if a settlement has been reached.
What action did the city take regarding a key witness?
A key witness, Sgt. Joseph Naines, is retiring on November 4, prompting the city to take his deposition as a precaution.
What is known about Hess’s prior internal reviews?
Hess had previously been the subject of at least 10 internal investigations for alleged excessive force, most of which were cleared due to “insufficient evidence.”
What were the criminal-trial results?
The jury found Hess not guilty in February 2020.
Why was Hess fired?
Hess was fired by then-interim police Chief David Pughes for various infractions, including improper use of deadly force and dereliction of duty.
What did federal court decide?
The Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of the officers on qualified-immunity grounds in a federal lawsuit filed by the Dawes family against the city and officers, including Hess.
Case at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas |
| Primary subject | Christopher Hess |
| Victim | Genevive Dawes |
| Date of shooting | January 18, 2017 |
| Rounds fired | 12 |
| Civil service hearing | Two-day hearing postponed |
| Settlement deadline | November 14 |
| Key witness | Sgt. Joseph Naines (retiring November 4) |
| Criminal verdict | Not guilty (February 2020) |
| Federal ruling | Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of the officers on qualified-immunity grounds |
| Internal investigations | At least 10; most cleared due to “insufficient evidence.” |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Dallas police officer fired for fatal shooting
- Police1: Lawsuit dismissed after justified use of force
- NBC DFW: Unlawful arrest lawsuit thrown out
- CBS News: Amber Guyger civil lawsuit details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Use of Force
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
