CRANDON, Wis (WSAU) Even though an earlier lawsuit was dismissed, the City of Crandon is settling a wrongful death lawsuit involving the families of those killed by gunman Tyler Peterson. 12 families will share $10,000. The city believed it was cheaper to settle than to continue to pay legal fees if the case was appealed. The city admits no wrongdoing.

Peterson, an off-duty Crandon police officer and Forest County sheriffs deputy, went on a shooting rampage in 2007 after he tried to make-up with an ex-girlfriend. The families argued that Peterson was emotionally instable, and should have been removed from his law enforcement jobs.

A similar lawsuit is still pending against Forest County. The families were originally suing for $3.8-million.