Father of Pharrell’s Cousin Killed by Virginia Cop Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The father of Donovon Lynch, who was shot and killed by a police officer earlier this year is suing the city of Virginia Beach and the officer in a wrongful death suit.

25-year-old Lynch, the cousin of Pharrell Williams, was killed at the city’s Oceanfront area.

The suit filed in Norfolk’s U.S. District Court by Donovon’s father, Wayne Lynch, has the family requesting a jury trial and demanding $50 million from the city. The family’s suit names officer Solomon Simmons as the alleged shooter in Lynch’s death, although the Virginia Beach Police Department has not yet confirmed the identity of the responding officer.

The Lynch family accuses Simmons of using excessive force against their son and blames the city for failing to train officers on deadly force and other techniques that could have prevented Donovan’s death. Attorneys further claim that Simmons acted with gross negligence, failed to warn before firing the shots, and didn’t render any aid to Donovan after shooting him.

In addition to the $50 million from the city, the Lynch family is also suing Simmons for $350,000, claiming that the officer knew Donovon, who “was unmistakable as anyone else” due to his 6’5 305-pounds stature. Lynch was also known in the city as a former offensive lineman for the University of Virginia College at Wise and his relationship with Pharrell Williams.