OJ French Family Files Federal Lawsuit Against Bay Minette; Sheriff Hoss Mack to Resign

BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The family of OJ French Jr. has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Bay Minette and Bay Minette Police Officer Brandon Thompson, the family and its attorneys announced at a rally on July 31.

The rally was held by the French family, the Bay Minette Justice League and the family’s legal counsel, May Jung LLC.

What the lawsuit alleges

According to the lawsuit, the officer did not have probable cause for the traffic stop and escalated the situation by demanding that French get out of the car. A struggle over a Taser followed, according to the account, and Thompson fatally shot French.

The claims in the lawsuit are allegations and have not been proven in court. A grand jury reviewed video of the shooting and cleared the officer. The video has not been made public.

Family disputes mayor’s statement

At the rally, a member of the French family told attendees that Mayor Robert “Bob” Wills had not spoken for the family when he said they were “ok with the outcome” of the investigation and that, at the family’s request, the matter would no longer be a topic of conversation.

Sheriff to step down

Separately, Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack announced in mid-July that he will resign in mid-August.

Mack has asked Gov. Kay Ivey to appoint Chief Deputy Anthony Lowery to serve the remainder of his term. Baldwin County Commissioner Matt McKenzie is also seeking the appointment.