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Special prosecutors appointed to review Ohio BCI findings in fatal shooting of Donovan Lewis

Donovan Lewis, 20, was fatally shot by Officer Ricky Anderson on Aug. 30 while officers were serving a warrant.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations has turned over its report on the man who was fatally shot by a Columbus police officer earlier this year to the Franklin County Prosecutor's office.

Donovan Lewis, 20, was fatally shot by Officer Ricky Anderson on Aug. 30 while officers were serving a warrant at an apartment in the 3200 block of Sullivant Avenue.

Officers were at the residence to arrest Lewis on multiple warrants including domestic violence and assault.

Body camera footage shows Anderson opening a bedroom door and in an apartment and immediately shooting Lewis, who appeared to be holding a vape pen before he was shot. No weapon was found.

Officers handcuffed him, took him outside and performed life-saving measures before he was taken to Grant Medical Center, where he later died.

   

An autopsy report shows Lewis was shot in the abdomen and the bullet damaged his internal organs before becoming lodged in his pelvis.

Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack selected H. Tim Merkle and Gary Shroyer, both former senior assistant prosecutors, to act as special prosecutors in the case.

The special prosecutors will determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

Statement from Michael Wright and Rex Elliott, attorneys representing the family of Donovan Lewis:

“The family of Donovan Lewis is relieved that the BCI has completed its report and turned it over to Franklin County prosecutors where the case will now be presented to a grand jury.  

Donovan's family has waited nearly four months for this moment.  They are hopeful that when the special prosecutors appointed by Gary Tyack present the evidence surrounding this unjustified shooting to a panel of reasonable people there will be only one option:  a true bill to indict the officer who shot and killed an unarmed Donovan while he slept in his bed.

In addition to an indictment, the family continues to demand that the city start the long-overdue process of terminating Columbus police officer Ricky Anderson.

As we anxiously await the findings of the grand jury, we will continue to fight for justice for Donovan Lewis.  His family deserves answers and we are one step closer to getting them now."

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