Legal Battle Unfolds: Family of Jaylin McKenzie Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Memphis

Justice Denied: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Memphis Police by Family of Jaylin McKenzie

In a tragic turn of events, the family of Jaylin McKenzie, a Black man fatally shot by a Memphis police officer during a traffic stop last year, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that Jaylin's civil rights were violated during the encounter, shining a spotlight on the questionable actions of the Memphis Police Department.

The incident occurred on the night of December 16, 2022, when Memphis Police Officer Nahume Dorme shot the 20-year-old McKenzie, who was in Memphis visiting family from Atlanta. The lawsuit details a disturbing sequence of events, stating that McKenzie was shot five times during the traffic stop. Shockingly, officers on the scene allegedly ignored McKenzie's pleas for help as he lay on the ground, adding a harrowing dimension to the tragic event.

The lawsuit contends that the officers displayed no indication of a routine traffic stop, alleging that McKenzie was commanded to show his hands upon leaving the vehicle. Officer Christopher Jackson reportedly posed a threatening question to McKenzie twice, asking, "Do you want to get shot?" Subsequently, McKenzie attempted to flee on foot, with Jackson and Dorme in pursuit. Jackson fell to the ground before Dorme fired nine shots, hitting McKenzie five times.

Notably, Officer Dorme failed to activate his body camera during the encounter, a violation of department policy, as reported by HuffPost. The lawsuit emphasizes the significance of body-camera footage from Jackson, which captures audio of the encounter and the foot chase leading up to the tragic shooting.

Despite the disturbing nature of the incident, the Shelby County district attorney announced in September that no criminal charges would be filed against Dorme or the other officers present at the scene. The family expressed deep disappointment and frustration after viewing redacted video footage of Jaylin's pursuit and subsequent death.

The lawsuit specifically targets Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis, shedding light on her history with the Atlanta Police Department. It delves into her leadership of the controversial Red Dog Unit, which was accused of presenting false information to obtain warrants and engaging in questionable practices. The lawsuit underscores a tragic incident in 2006, during Davis's tenure in the unit, where three narcotic officers shot and killed a 92-year-old woman in a botched drug raid.

As the legal battle unfolds, the wrongful death lawsuit seeks not only justice for Jaylin McKenzie but also accountability for the alleged misconduct within the Memphis Police Department.

Kathryn Johnson's tragic death echoes hauntingly in the history of law enforcement failures. Shot five times during a botched drug raid in her own home, Johnson became a symbol of the devastating consequences of unchecked police actions. The undercover officers, armed with a no-knock warrant, fired 39 shots, leading to the sentencing of three officers to five to 10 years in prison. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis faced severe criticism for her role in this incident.

Davis's leadership decisions further fueled controversy when she established a special police unit in Memphis, ostensibly to address street crime. However, the unit became known for disproportionately targeting Black individuals in traffic stops. This alarming trend culminated in the Jan. 7 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, by five officers from the unit. Nichols suffered a brutal encounter involving beatings, pepper spray, and electric shocks during a

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