Document Type
Court Filing — Federal Civil Rights Complaint
Date Filed
June 21, 2021
Court
U.S. District Court (Eastern District of Virginia)
Summary
This federal civil rights complaint was filed by the estate of Donovon Lynch against Officer Solomon Simmons and the City of Virginia Beach. It presents the estate’s account of the events of March 26, 2021, alleging that Lynch was not involved in earlier gunfire and was attempting to leave the Oceanfront area when he was shot.
The complaint alleges that Officer Simmons fired without warning, did not identify himself, and that no body-camera footage captured the shooting. It further raises questions about the use of force and the immediate response following the shooting.
Key Allegations
- Donovon Lynch was leaving the area with Darrion Marsh after earlier gunfire
- He was not involved in any prior shootings that night
- Officer Simmons fired two shots without warning
- No verbal commands or identification were given
- No body-camera footage captured the shooting
- Life-saving aid was not properly rendered after the shooting
Why This Matters
This document establishes the core legal claims brought by the Lynch family and serves as the foundation for understanding how the shooting is contested in court.
Related Documents
- Death Certificate — Donovon Lynch
- Notice of Claim and Litigation Hold Letter
- Estate Qualification Record
- Civil Cover Sheet
The Donovon Lynch Case 