Full Breakdown
Mississippi Appeals Court Revives Lawsuit Over Damien Cameron’s Death
5/7/2026, 7:31:06 AM
Core Event
On May 6, 2026, the Mississippi Court of Appeals reversed a Rankin County circuit judge’s dismissal of the Cameron family’s civil suit. The panel, led by Judge Donna Barnes, held that genuine factual disputes exist about whether the deputies’ restraint tactics were objectively reasonable and whether they merit qualified-immunity protection.
Background & Context
In July 2021 deputies responded to a vandalism call at Cameron’s Braxton home. Deputy Hunter Elward tasered Cameron, then sat on his back; Deputy Luke Stickman later knelt on Cameron’s neck while handcuffing him. Cameron, who suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, repeatedly told officers he could not breathe. After being moved to a patrol car, he collapsed, was found unresponsive, and died despite CPR. State Medical Examiner Dr. Staci Turner listed the cause of death “undetermined,” but three independent pathologists argued it should be ruled a homicide. Rankin County records show at least nine deaths involving its deputies since 2014. The department’s misconduct pattern includes the 2023 “Goon Squad” case, where five deputies and a local officer were convicted of torturing two Black men, receiving sentences of ten to forty years.
Key Figures
- Damien Cameron – 31-year-old victim with mental-health diagnoses.
- Deputy Hunter Elward – claimed he thought Cameron was merely out of breath.
- Deputy Luke Stickman – alleged to have knelt on Cameron’s neck.
- Judge Donna Barnes – author of the appeals-court opinion.
- Judge Amy Lassitter St. Pé – dissenting judge.
- Trent Walker – attorney for the Cameron family.
- Jason Dare – attorney for the Rankin County sheriff’s department.
Official Statements & Criticism
Judge Barnes wrote that applying body-weight force to a prone suspect can constitute excessive force under established law, opening the qualified-immunity question. Attorney Walker argued the deputies violated a department policy that bans any action restricting a person’s breathing. Sheriff’s department lawyer Dare contended the death was likely an overdose, not a result of force. In dissent, Judge St. Pé maintained the record does not support a finding of excessive force under the Fourth Amendment. The family and the three pathologists criticize the “undetermined” ruling, insisting the neck pressure and hemorrhages indicate homicide.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We find there are genuine issues of material fact whether the deputies’ actions were objectively reasonable and entitled them to qualified immunity,” — Donna Barnes, Appeals Court Judge
- “He kept saying he couldn’t breathe,” — Betty Cameron, Grandmother
- “We’re happy we’re able to get Ms. Lee her day in court so that she can get justice for her son. Material facts need to be heard, and we’re looking forward to the fight.” — Trent Walker, Attorney
- “does not support a finding that Deputies Elward or Stickman used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.” — Amy Lassitter St. Pé, Judge
What’s Next
The sheriff’s department may seek a rehearing; if denied, it can appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court. The revived civil suit will allow the family to present evidence on the deputies’ conduct and the scope of qualified immunity.
