In Jackson, Mississippi, the mother of Jaylen Lewis, a 25-year-old Black man who was fatally shot during a traffic stop, has filed a lawsuit against multiple parties. The suit names the Mississippi Capitol Police, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the officers directly involved.
The lawsuit was initiated by Arkela Lewis, who continues to seek justice for her son’s death on September 25, 2022.
Officers Indicted in the Case
Two officers, Stephen Frederick and Michael Rhinewalt, were charged with manslaughter in March. Both entered not guilty pleas and have since been terminated from employment with the DPS.
Court documents reveal that the shooting occurred while Capitol Police officers were engaged in a drug operation. Lewis allegedly reversed his car into a police vehicle, prompting officers to open fire.
Family’s Allegations
The lawsuit argues that Jaylen Lewis posed no threat. It emphasizes that he did not display a weapon, attempt to use one, or make any movements that could reasonably be seen as dangerous to the officers at the scene.
Arkela Lewis is asking the court to order the DPS and Capitol Police to implement stricter policies and safeguards designed to prevent future cases of misconduct. She is also seeking compensation for emotional damages resulting from the loss of her son.
Department’s Response
According to spokesperson Bailey Martin, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is aware of the lawsuit but has declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
Related Lawsuit Involving Officer Rhinewalt
This case is not the only legal challenge facing Officer Rhinewalt. Another woman, Sherita Harris, filed a separate lawsuit after she was shot in the head by Rhinewalt during a 2022 pursuit following a traffic stop.
Police records state that Harris’s vehicle fled the scene after officers exited their patrol car and that gunfire was allegedly heard coming from the fleeing vehicle.
Two officers, including Rhinewalt, were later indicted on aggravated assault charges in connection with that incident. Both officers pleaded not guilty.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Arkela Lewis highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and the use of deadly force during traffic stops. While officers Frederick and Rhinewalt face criminal charges, the broader case underscores calls for systemic reform within the Mississippi Capitol Police and DPS. The outcome of this lawsuit could shape future policies aimed at protecting civilians and rebuilding community trust.
FAQs
1. Who filed the lawsuit over Jaylen Lewis’ death?
The lawsuit was filed by Arkela Lewis, the mother of 25-year-old Jaylen Lewis, who was killed by Capitol Police in September 2022.
2. What charges are the officers facing?
Officers Stephen Frederick and Michael Rhinewalt have been indicted for manslaughter in connection with the shooting. Rhinewalt also faces aggravated assault charges in a separate case.
3. What is Arkela Lewis seeking through the lawsuit?
She is demanding that Capitol Police and the DPS adopt new policies to prevent misconduct and is also seeking emotional damages for the loss of her son.
