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Former Capitol Police Officer's Manslaughter Trial Delayed Again
The trial for a former Capitol Police officer charged with manslaughter in the death of a Black man in Jackson has been pushed back yet again.
Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15am
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The trial for former Capitol Police officer Stephen Frederick, who is charged with manslaughter in the 2022 shooting death of Jaylen Lewis, has been delayed for a fourth time. The trial is now scheduled for March, though the judge did not provide a reason for the latest postponement. Frederick and another former officer, Michael Rhinewalt, alleged that Lewis tried to hit them with his vehicle during a traffic stop, prompting them to open fire. However, a witness said Lewis was just trying to get away. After the shooting, additional officers found drugs and guns in Lewis' car, details the two officers were unaware of when they stopped him.
Why it matters
This case has raised concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the handling of traffic stops that escalate to deadly encounters. The repeated delays in the trial have also drawn scrutiny, with questions about the judicial process and whether justice is being served in a timely manner.
The details
Former Officer Stephen Frederick faces a manslaughter charge for shooting and killing Jaylen Lewis in 2022 after a traffic stop. Court documents show Frederick and another former officer, Michael Rhinewalt, alleged Lewis tried to hit them with his vehicle and they fired to stop him. The officers had boxed him in with two unmarked vehicles. A witness in the car told investigators Lewis was just trying to get away. After the shooting, additional officers found drugs and guns in Lewis' car, details neither Rhinewalt nor Frederick knew when they stopped him.
- The incident occurred in 2022.
- Frederick and Rhinewalt were indicted one year ago.
- The trial has now been delayed four times, with the latest rescheduling for March 2026.
The players
Stephen Frederick
A former Capitol Police officer charged with manslaughter in the 2022 shooting death of Jaylen Lewis.
Jaylen Lewis
A Black man who was shot and killed by former Capitol Police officer Stephen Frederick during a 2022 traffic stop.
Michael Rhinewalt
Another former Capitol Police officer who was involved in the traffic stop that led to Jaylen Lewis' death, and who also faces a separate federal case for a different shooting incident.
Adrienne Wooten
The Hinds County Circuit Judge presiding over the trial for Stephen Frederick.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide in March 2026 whether to allow the trial to proceed or if it will be delayed further.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the need for timely and transparent judicial processes to ensure justice is served. The repeated delays in the trial have raised questions about the fairness of the system and the ability to hold officers accountable for their actions.
