Protests planned after Columbus fatal police shooting. What happened to Donovan Lewis?

The family of a Donovan Lewis, the 20-year-old unarmed man who was fatally shot Tuesday by a Columbus police officer, is calling for protests to remain peaceful this weekend and demanding change as the community processes the killing.

Officer Ricky Anderson shot Lewis early Tuesday morning while Lewis was in bed during an attempted arrest on charges of domestic violence, assault and improper handling of a firearm. Lewis died at a hospital and police released body camera footage following the shooting.

What’s next: The state has launched an investigation, and Anderson is on paid administrative leave. Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to a grand jury for a possible indictment.

This weekend: A series of demonstrations and marches were planned in response to Lewis’ death. On Friday, more than 100 demonstrators gathered outside police headquarters, where Lewis’ parents spoke. The Columbus Urban League plans to host a public forum about the shooting Saturday morning.

Here’s what to know:

Body camera video: Officer fires weapon almost immediately after entering bedroom 

Police went to Lewis’ apartment early Tuesday morning to arrest him on multiple warrants. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said officers detained two people after they opened the door to the apartment, attempted to get Lewis to leave his bedroom and sent a canine inside to locate him.

Video released by the city Tuesday shows Anderson, a 30-year police veteran assigned to the canine unit, draw his weapon before opening the bedroom door. An officer yells, “Hands!” and shines a light on Lewis as he sits up in bed. Anderson fires a single shot almost immediately. 

Bryant said Lewis had what appeared to be a vape pen in his hand during the shooting, which can be seen on the bed next to him. Officers continue to yell commands and handcuff Lewis before carrying him outside and rendering medical aid before paramedics arrive.

Donovan Lewis’ family: Shooting was not justified

Rex Elliott, an attorney for Lewis’ family, said Thursday that Lewis was following commands during the shooting and called Anderson’s actions “excessive, deadly force.”

Elliott said the family wants to see Anderson held accountable.

“They want this police officer punished …” he said. “We anticipate filing an action against the police officer that engaged in this reckless conduct.”

Meanwhile, Lewis’ family called for peaceful protests.

“Rest assured, we will get justice for Donovan and do everything in our power to stop these senseless killings,” the family said in a statement Wednesday. “There cannot be one more young Black life taken this way.”

Parents say Lewis had a ‘kind heart’ at protest

Donovan Lewis’ parents spoke for the first time publicly on Friday about their son since his death as demonstrators gathered outside the Columbus Division of Police headquarters.

“He was so sweet and so kind even when someone disrespected him and there was a situation,” said Daryl Lewis, Donovan’s father. “He was so forgiving he would forget about it and still come to you and show you love.”

“He loved music,” said Lewis’ mother, Rebecca Duran, through tears. “He loved to sing. He loved sports. He wanted to be loved and he loved people unconditionally. He had so many friends from so many different walks of life. He’s so much more than what they want him to look like.”

Funeral and autopsy report coming

Lewis’ funeral will be held next weekend at the Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home Chapel of Peace.

The Franklin County Coroner’s office said it has released Lewis’ body, but the autopsy report is not available and won’t be for a while. Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz said her office is taking 10 to 16 weeks on average to complete autopsy reports, but a preliminary report may be available sooner in some cases.

Community, leaders react to shooting

After the video was released, community leaders and organizations pressed for a transparent investigation and planned events.