NORFOLK, Va. - Wayne Lynch, the father of Donovon Lynch, spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 14, to give a “major update” on the family’s lawsuit against the City of Virginia Beach.
The lawsuit was filed following Donovon's death on March 26, 2021. He was shot and killed by a Virginia Beach police officer, Solomon Simmons, who was cleared of wrongdoing after a grand jury investigation. In the lawsuit, Donovon’s father claimed the officer used excessive force and gross negligence.
On Dec. 13, the Lynch family said a $3 million settlement was reached with the City of Virginia Beach. The city and the estate of Donovon Lynch released a joint statement, saying, “As they learned more over time about the facts of that night, the two parties understood a series of unfortunate occurrences led to Donovon’s death.”
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During the press conference at the Walter E. Hoffman United States Courthouse, Wayne Lynch thanked Virginia Beach for helping him and his family get justice for Donovon.
“I also want to thank the City of Virginia Beach for stepping up, for elevating to do the right thing, to apologize and to offer condolences and a reward for my son. Thank you, Virginia Beach.”
Lynch said the settlement also serves as vindication for his son.
“When this incident first happened, I told everyone, Donovon had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with anything that occurred in Virginia Beach Oceanfront that night,” said Lynch.
The family's attorney, former lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax, said he wants them to meet with the President and Vice President.
“We are also going to request that we have the Lynch family meet with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House. So, we look forward to that meeting of two extraordinary leaders. I think this case is an example of how you can elevate and fight for justice,” said Fairfax.
He also shared additional details on the pretrial process — including a deposition he requested from Simmons.
"I deposed officer Simmons so he was in a deposition. I deposed him and I deposed other individuals on this case, so we definitely shed additional light on what occurred," said Fairfax.
When asked if the family still wants the Department of Justice to investigate further, Fairfax said they are currently discussing the matter.
“That’s something that we have discussed, and I want to continue those discussions. So, we’re looking forward to, again, making sure that this is a teachable moment, right?”
Lynch also shared that the money from the settlement will go towards the Donovon-Wayne Lynch Foundation. He said this Saturday and Sunday, the foundation is hosting an active duty military basketball tournament at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
