Deven Guilford's Family Files Federal Lawsuit against Sgt. Jonathan Frost, Eaton County for Shooting Dead Unarmed Teen at Traffic Stop

The family of slain teenager Deven Guilford has recently filed a federal lawsuit against Sgt. Jonathan Frost and the Eaton County local government. Guilford was fatally shot by the police officer during a traffic stop altercation in Western Michigan back in late February.

The complaint filed on Wednesday on behalf of 17-year-old Guilford claims that Eaton County Sheriff's Sgt. Frost's "entire course of action was illegal and in violation of Deven's constitutional rights, " according to the Detroit Free Press.

The incident took place on February 28, 2015, at around 8:30 p.m. Guilford was reportedly driving near Mulliken, Michigan when Frost drove by, heading to the opposite direction. The teenager flashed his headlights "apparently attempting to get him to dim his headlights," then Frost pulled him over. The family's lawsuit states that the officer was driving a new patrol car that had "improperly bright or misaimed headlights, even on low beams." Guilford is said to be one of three drivers to flash their brights at Frost, and the officer stopped all of them.

Michigan Shooting
Michigan Shooting

Guilford apparently asked for Frost's badge number and asked why he had been stopped. The officer refused to respond to Guilford's questions. On the other hand, Guilford also declined to show his license and other documents when the officer asked for them. The encounter reportedly escalated to a physical altercation resulting to Guilford's death.

In June, the county's Prosecutor's Office cleared Sgt. Frost of criminal wrongdoing after analysing the officer's body camera video along with a cellphone video from Guilford himself. The office mentioned that Frost "reasonably believed" the teenager posed a threat of "seriously bodily harm" or "death" and that the former had only acted in "self-defense."

In a statement given to the Lansing State Journal, Guildford's parents Brian and Becky said that "Based on what we know at this time, our family believes that our son should not have been killed on the night in question. There was no reason or necessity for the officer to physically remove our son from the car without considering other options to avoid an unnecessary violent escalation."

Eaton County Sheriff
Eaton County Sheriff

Meanwhile, Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich also recently released a statement calling the incident "a tragedy for everyone involved."

"The last thing that Sgt. Frost or any law enforcement officer wants to do is to be put into a position where he is compelled to use his firearm to defend his life," the sheriff mentioned. "The prosecutors conclusion was that the force used by Sgt. Frost was lawful... My office conducted an internal review, which determined that Sgt. Frost had not violated Eaton County Sheriff's office regulations, general orders and his training. I stand by both of those determinations."

The incident garnered fresh attention following the release of a video (see below) by the Eaton County prosecutor which shows exactly how the encounter between Sgt. Jonathan Frost and Deven Guilford turned deadly.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.