The family of then 19-year-old Payton Lawrence has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Mesquite and Officer Jack Fyall, alleging that the teenager’s death resulted from excessive force and systemic failures within the Mesquite Police Department (MPD). The lawsuit stems from the December 14, 2023, shooting, in which Lawrence was fatally shot by Fyall during what began as an investigation into a stolen vehicle. Filed by Lawrence’s father, Stephen Lawrence, the lawsuit seeks damages for constitutional violations and wrongful death.

The Incident at the Gas Station

The lawsuit outlines the events leading to the fatal encounter, which took place at a 7-Eleven gas station in Mesquite. Officer Fyall was investigating a report of a stolen silver Hyundai sedan parked at the station. Upon arriving, he located the Hyundai, which was unoccupied, but instead turned his attention to a nearby Chrysler sedan. The Chrysler, unrelated to the stolen vehicle report, was occupied by Lawrence in the driver’s seat and two passengers in the back.

According to the lawsuit and video evidence released by the City of Mesquite, Fyall approached the Chrysler with his firearm drawn and shouted, “Do not move, or I will [expletive] kill you.” Lawrence raised his hands in compliance. The car began reversing slowly, prompting Fyall to strike the hood with his flashlight while commanding Lawrence to shut off the engine. Over the next several seconds, the vehicle alternated between slow forward and reverse movements. Despite the car’s minimal speed and the absence of any immediate threat, Fyall fired three shots through the windshield, striking and killing Lawrence.

The lawsuit contends that Lawrence posed no danger to Fyall or others at the scene. The slow movement of the car allowed Fyall to remain in front of it, even placing his hand on the hood multiple times. After the shooting, the now-unmanned vehicle rolled forward and crashed into a curb. The complaint alleges that the use of deadly force violated MPD policy, which restricts officers from firing at moving vehicles except in situations of imminent danger.

History of Alleged Excessive Force

The lawsuit argues that the Mesquite Police Department has a history of excessive force incidents, citing several past cases. In 2017, Officer Derrick Wiley shot Lyndo Jones, an unarmed man, in the back while Jones had his hands raised. In 2013, Graham Dyer died after being repeatedly tasered by MPD officers, including in the groin, during an arrest. In 2009, Elijah Robinson was fatally shot by Officer Johnathan Yates under circumstances where Robinson reportedly posed no threat. These cases, the lawsuit claims, illustrate a systemic problem within the department regarding the use of excessive force.

Officer Fyall’s own record is also under scrutiny in the lawsuit. In 2011, he allegedly shot a civilian who had surrendered following a police pursuit. In 2015, Fyall faced accusations of deploying a taser on a suspect who later died. Despite these incidents, Fyall remained on active duty without significant disciplinary action. The complaint alleges that this lack of accountability within the MPD encouraged reckless behavior and led to Lawrence’s death.

The lawsuit further states that MPD officers were involved in six fatal shootings in 2023 alone, underscoring what the family alleges is a pattern of excessive and deadly force within the department.

Officer Fyall’s Training and Background

According to public records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), Officer Fyall has been with the Mesquite Police Department since 2006, amassing 18 years of service. He holds an active Peace Officer license and has completed more than 6,500 hours of training, including courses on firearms, defensive tactics, and crisis intervention. Additionally, Fyall is listed as holding a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Despite this extensive training, the lawsuit asserts that Fyall failed to apply de-escalation techniques or follow proper protocols in his interaction with Lawrence. MPD policy restricts the use of firearms to situations involving an immediate threat to officers or others, particularly when dealing with moving vehicles. The family contends that Fyall’s training and experience should have enabled him to handle the situation without resorting to deadly force.

Allegations of Systemic Failures

The lawsuit extends beyond Fyall’s actions to criticize the policies and practices of the Mesquite Police Department. It alleges that MPD and city officials failed to adequately train, supervise, and discipline officers, fostering a culture where excessive force is tolerated. The complaint states that MPD’s inconsistent enforcement of its use-of-force policies and its decision to retain officers with histories of misconduct created an environment where incidents like Lawrence’s death were foreseeable.

The lawsuit accuses the MPD of failing to implement meaningful reforms despite repeated incidents of excessive force involving its officers. It argues that these systemic failures were a direct cause of Lawrence’s death, with the department’s lack of oversight and accountability emboldening officers to act recklessly.

Seeking Justice

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Lawrence’s pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress caused by his death. It also requests punitive damages against the City of Mesquite, asserting that the systemic issues within MPD directly contributed to the fatal shooting.

As the case moves forward, it will examine both Fyall’s actions and the broader practices and policies of the Mesquite Police Department. The Lawrence family hopes that their legal action will not only bring accountability for their son’s death but also drive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Disclaimer

The content provided above is for informational and educational purposes only. The details outlined in the complaint and the allegations against the involved parties are based on the information available at the time of composition. Any actions or decisions taken based on this information should be carefully considered and coupled with professional legal counsel where necessary. The accuracy, completeness, and current nature of the information cannot be guaranteed, and no liability is accepted for any losses or damages incurred as a result of the use of this information. It is advisable to consult with a qualified legal professional regarding specific legal issues and concerns.

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