Trial Began for Ex-Officers in Shooting Death
Jury selection is underway for two former officers charged in a 2022 fatal shooting.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Jury selection began for Stephen Frederick Jr. and Michael Rhinewalt, two former Capitol Police officers charged with manslaughter. The charges stem from the 2022 shooting death of Jaylen Lewis following a traffic stop.
Why it matters
The trial addresses conflicting accounts of a fatal police encounter, contrasting officer claims of self-defense against witness testimony that the driver was attempting to flee. The outcome will weigh these competing narratives in a case involving the use of unmarked vehicles for traffic enforcement.
Stephen Frederick Jr. and Michael Rhinewalt face manslaughter charges in Jackson following the 2022 shooting of Jaylen Lewis. Judge Faye Peterson is currently presiding over pretrial decisions regarding the admissibility of photographic and video evidence.
The players
Stephen Frederick Jr.
He is a former Capitol Police officer facing manslaughter charges.
Michael Rhinewalt
He is a former Capitol Police officer charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal traffic stop.
Jaylen Lewis
He was the civilian driver who died during a 2022 traffic stop involving police.
Faye Peterson
She is the judge presiding over the trial in Jackson.
The details
The defendants initiated a traffic stop using unmarked vehicles before firing their weapons at Jaylen Lewis. While the officers claim the victim drove his car toward them, a witness present in the vehicle stated that Lewis was merely attempting to drive away.
Timeline
The fatal shooting of Jaylen Lewis occurred in 2022.
Jury selection for the trial began on September 22, 2026.
Legal Context
This trial marks the judicial progression and formal accountability phase following the 2022 shooting death of Jaylen Lewis. The proceedings reflect broader regional trends in the legal scrutiny of police traffic enforcement actions and the use of force.
The start of this trial in Jackson may lead to increased local interest in law enforcement procedures and security protocols. Residents should anticipate potential court-related activity in the area as the legal process continues.
The takeaway
The trial forces a direct evaluation of evidence in police-involved shootings where officer and witness accounts fundamentally diverge. Observers will be looking to see how the court balances claims of self-defense against testimony regarding the victim's intent to flee.
Further reading
For more on judicial proceedings, visit Law Enforcement.
