Judge rules Smith County deputy can face lawsuit for excessive force allegations in shooting death of Lindale man

LINDALE — A federal court judge last week found that a Smith County deputy is not entitled to qualified immunity and that an excessive force claim can proceed, saying that a Lindale man’s family has alleged “a clearly established constitutional right.” Jonathan Layton, 40, died Nov. 5, 2024, after a deputy-involved shooting at Layton’s home in the 13200 block of CR 4109, just east of Lindale. In May 2025, his family filed a lawsuit claiming constitutional rights violations. On Nov. 6 of this year, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle found that Deputy Braylon Barnes, the officer whom the lawsuit states shot Layton, is not entitled to qualified immunity at this time. Kernodle also determined, based on the reviewed evidence and video, that Barnes’ use of force was “unreasonable and excessive.” Read more from our news partners at CBS19.

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