The Mississippi Court of Appeals has reversed a judge’s decision that cleared Rankin County deputies of blame in the 2021 death of Damien Cameron, according to a ruling Tuesday. The appellate court sent the case back to Rankin County Circuit Court for further proceedings.
In its ruling, the appeals court noted that genuine issues of material fact remain regarding whether the deputies’ actions were objectively reasonable and whether they are entitled to qualified immunity, according to Judge Donna Barnes. The court also referenced established law indicating that applying pressure or body weight to a prone suspect could constitute excessive force under certain circumstances.
Cameron, 31, died after being restrained by deputies following an incident in Braxton. Witnesses and family members reported that one deputy sat on his back while another kneeled on his neck. Cameron’s family disputes the medical examiner’s initial ruling of an undetermined cause of death, citing three pathologists who argued it should be classified as a homicide.
The incident involved deputies Elward and Stickman, who responded to a report of vandalism at Cameron’s home. Cameron, who had a history of mental health issues, ran from deputies and was tasered and tackled. Witnesses said deputies continued to restrain him after he was handcuffed, with reports indicating he repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe.
The medical examiner found methamphetamine in Cameron’s system and noted multiple hemorrhages, but the cause of death was listed as undetermined. Cameron’s family filed a lawsuit in 2022, which was dismissed on sovereign immunity grounds. The family appealed, and the case is now active on appeal.
During the appellate hearing, Cameron’s attorney argued that deputies’ actions violated department policies and amounted to excessive force. The sheriff’s department’s lawyer suggested the death might have resulted from an overdose. The case remains active, with the possibility of further appeals, though Cameron’s family expressed hope for justice.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
