Betty Lewis, Julian Lewis's widow, stands with lawyers Francys Johnson (left) and Mawuli Davis while announcing their intent to sue the state of Georgia.

Betty Lewis, Julian Lewis's widow, stands with lawyers Francys Johnson (left) and Mawuli Davis while announcing their intent to sue the state of Georgia.

Credit: WSAV News 3

The family of a Black man killed by a Georgia State Patrol trooper this summer plans to sue the state of Georgia for wrongful death, according to a legal notice filed Monday.

Trooper Jacob Gordon Thompson, who is white, was charged with murder for shooting and killing Julian Lewis during a traffic stop in rural Screven County in August. Thompson was also fired.

Lewis’s wife, Betty Lewis, called his death “devastating” at a news conference announcing the lawsuit.

“The money will not bring my husband back; no amount of money will bring him back,” she said. “I loved my husband. He’s not here. But justice will be served.”

Lewis’s family is seeking $1 million from the state, the maximum allowed by law. The family also plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit.

Tags: Savannah  racial justice  Georgia State Patrol  Georgia  Atlanta  Macon