JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the family of Jaylen Lewis, who died after a shooting incident involving Capitol police on September 25, 2022.

The lawsuit alleged that officers Steven Frederick

and Michael Rhinewalt used “excessive and unjustified force” when they shot Lewis. The lawsuit also said the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) and Capitol police “maintained policies and customs that fostered a culture of violence, failed to properly train and supervise officers, and ignored repeated warnings about unconstitutional policing practices.”

A Hinds County Grand Jury previously indicted Steven Frederick, Jr., and Michael Rhinewalt on one count each of manslaughter.

Court documents showed that Frederick was arraigned on April 28, 2025. His trial was set for July 21, 2025, and he received a $100,000 bond. During a previous court appearance, Rhinewalt also received a $100,000 bond.

According to MDPS, 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.

“Jaylen Lewis should be alive today,” said Bobby DiCello, the DiCello Levitt partner who is representing the Lewis family. “The actions of these officers were not just reckless—they were unconscionable and indefensible. Jaylen was a devoted father with his whole life ahead of him, and his family deserves justice. We are committed to fighting for accountability, transparency, and meaningful reform, so that no other family in Jackson has to endure this kind of heartbreak.”

The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as court-ordered reforms.