The family of John Jenuwine has taken its fight to federal court, filing a wrongful-death lawsuit after the 34-year-old Navy veteran was killed by Washtenaw County deputies during a January pursuit in Ypsilanti. The lawsuit lands months after a dashcam video showed deputies firing into a van that had flipped following a pit maneuver, and relatives insist Jenuwine was unarmed when the shots were fired. Attorneys say an independent autopsy concluded he was hit multiple times and bled to death, while the deputies involved remain on administrative leave as the case hangs over the sheriff's office.
According to ClickOnDetroit, the complaint was filed today in federal court by Flood Law and names the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. The suit accuses four deputies of excessive force, alleging they unleashed 27 shots into the overturned van near Prospect and Towner streets on Jan. 6.
An independent autopsy cited by the family's attorneys found Jenuwine was struck seven times and died from blood loss, according to The Eastern Echo. Relatives and their lawyers say Jenuwine, who served six years in the U.S. Navy and worked as a laser technician, was in the Ypsilanti area for work on the night the chase unfolded.
Investigation status
The Michigan State Police wrapped up an outside investigation in late May and sent its report to the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office for review. The matter is also under review by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office. The sheriff's office says the four deputies who fired remain on administrative leave while prosecutors decide next steps, according to WEMU.
Dashcam and weapon claims
Washtenaw County released dashcam video that captured deputies yelling that the driver had a gun even as the van lay on its side after the crash. The sheriff later acknowledged that no weapon was recovered from the vehicle. Coverage by CBS News Detroit highlighted the audio from the scene and the department's later clarification that no firearm was found.
What the lawsuit says
The complaint filed by Flood Law accuses deputies of using unreasonable force and faults the department's handling of the aftermath, including what the family describes as delays in notifying Jenuwine's relatives. Attorney Todd Flood has publicly pointed to the volume and pattern of gunfire as central to the case, and the suit seeks damages along with a court review of departmental policies, according to Flood Law.
Legal path ahead
The federal lawsuit launches a civil battle even as prosecutors weigh possible criminal charges based on the state police investigation and any additional evidence that surfaces. The family has said publicly that it hopes Attorney General Dana Nessel will pursue criminal charges, a stance reported by FOX 2 Detroit. The forwarding of the Michigan State Police report to local prosecutors was detailed in coverage by WEMU.
Community members and civil-rights advocates say the case highlights long-running concerns about police pursuit tactics and officer training. With the lawsuit now on file, those questions are likely to move from street protests and community meetings into courtroom arguments and public hearings in the months ahead. For Jenuwine's family, the latest filing signals that their push for answers is shifting firmly into the federal arena.
