JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Two law enforcement officers in Mississippi were indicted on manslaughter charges in connection to the 2022 shooting death of Jaylen Lewis.

Lewis, 25, died after a shooting incident involving Capitol police on September 25, 2022. He left behind three chidlren.

A Hinds County grand jury indicted Steven Frederick, Jr., and Michael Rhinewalt in March 2025. Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd set Rhinewalt’s bond at $100,000.

Rhinewalt was previously indicted, along with Jeffrey Walker, on two counts each of aggravated assault. The two were accused of using excessive force after a traffic stop on August 14, 2022, in Jackson.

“I think the indictment needs to be amended to second-degree murder. You know, I’m saying if he convicted on other charges, then the indictment needs to be amended to habitual offender. That’ll make the time mandatory. You know manslaughter in the state of Mississippi law, that guy can do three or four years, and he’ll be out,” said William Drake, the father of Jaylen Lewis.

According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), Frederick resigned in March 2023 shortly after being involved in a traffic accident while off duty. They said Rhinewalt has been on administrative leave without pay and has not been actively employed with the agency since January 2025.

“Well I don’t want to say how I feel about those guys. I am a man of God. I was raised not to talk out against other people or not to assassinate other people’s character. Jaylen was that kind of guy. He was raised like that. But they have been a detriment to my household. My household has taken a major loss, and they have to deal with God on that,” stated Drake.

Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said the department has made several improvements regarding officer misconduct to ensure greater professionalism and accountability.