Woman sues Mississippi police over son's killing
[October 03, 2025]
By SOPHIE BATES
JACKSON,
Miss. (AP) — The mother of a 25-year-old Black man who was fatally shot
by police is suing the officers involved, the Mississippi Capitol Police
and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, among others.
Arkela Lewis' son, Jaylen Lewis, was shot by Capitol Police during a
traffic stop on Sept. 25, 2022. Two officers involved, Stephen Frederick
and Michael Rhinewalt, were indicted for manslaughter in March. Both
have entered not guilty pleas and are no longer employed with DPS. |
Arkela Lewis, bottom right, mother of Jaylen Lewis, who was shot to
death during an encounter with officers of the Mississippi Capitol
Police department, testifies before members of the Jackson delegation of
the Mississippi Legislature at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson, March
6, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) |
|
According to the lawsuit, Frederick, Rhinewalt and other Capitol
Police officers were conducting a drug operation when they
pulled Lewis over. He reversed his car into a police vehicle,
and officers opened fire.
“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,” the lawsuit says.
Arkela Lewis, who has spoken out against Capitol Police, is
asking the court to force DPS and Capitol Police to adopt a
policy that would “prevent future instances of the type of
misconduct” that led to her son's death.
She is also seeking compensation for emotional damages.
“The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is aware of the
lawsuit and does not comment on pending litigation,” Bailey
Martin, a spokesperson for the department, wrote in a statement.
Rhinewalt and another Capitol Police officer are also being sued
by another woman, Sherita Harris, who says she was shot in the
head by Rhinewalt during a pursuit after a traffic stop, also in
2022.
The officers have said the car Harris was in fled after they
exited their patrol vehicle, and they heard gunshots from the
car as they gave chase, according to court records.
Two officers involved in that shooting, including Rhinewalt,
have been indicted on aggravated assault charges. They have both
pleaded not guilty.
The Associated Press made multiple attempts to reach Rhinewalt
and Frederick, but did not immediately receive a response.
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