The mother of Jaylen Lewis, a 25-year-old Black man fatally shot by Capitol Police during a 2022 traffic stop in Jackson, Mississippi, has filed a lawsuit against the officers involved, the Mississippi Capitol Police, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The suit, filed by Arkela Lewis, comes after two officers — Stephen Frederick and Michael Rhinewalt — were indicted for manslaughter in March. Both men pleaded not guilty and are no longer employed by DPS.
Fatal Traffic Stop Under Scrutiny
According to the complaint, Frederick, Rhinewalt, and other officers were conducting a drug operation when they pulled Lewis over on Sept. 25, 2022. Investigators said Lewis reversed his vehicle into a police car, prompting officers to fire.
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The lawsuit disputes the justification for deadly force, stating:
“Jaylen (did not) brandish a weapon, reach for a weapon, make any violent gestures, threaten anyone or otherwise take any actions that could reasonably be perceived as endangering officers.”
Calls for Policy Change
Beyond compensation for emotional damages, Arkela Lewis is seeking court intervention to compel DPS and Capitol Police to implement new policies aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
“The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is aware of the lawsuit and does not comment on pending litigation,” DPS spokesperson Bailey Martin said in a statement.
Broader Legal Challenges Against Capitol Police
This lawsuit is not the first involving Capitol Police officers. Rhinewalt and another officer are also being sued by Sherita Harris, a woman who was shot in the head during a separate 2022 pursuit.
In that case, officers alleged the vehicle Harris was in fled a traffic stop and that gunfire came from inside the car. Court records show two officers, including Rhinewalt, were later indicted on aggravated assault charges. Both have pleaded not guilty.
