Family of man killed in Dewey Beach officer-involved shooting files lawsuit

DEWEY BEACH, Del. – The family of a man fatally shot by a Dewey Beach Police officer has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court on Monday against both the officer, Dylan Ebke, and the Town of Dewey Beach, regarding the March 2022 death of 21-year-old Rodney Robinson. Ebke is being sued for excessive force, wanton negligence, assault, and battery, while the Town of Dewey Beach is being sued for Monell liability.

This lawsuit comes after an investigation by the Department of Justice determined that Ebke’s use of deadly force in the incident was justified and did not constitute a criminal offense.

According to the lawsuit, Robinson’s mother is seeking compensation for the following damages: deprivation of the expectation of pecuniary benefits his beneficiaries would have received; lost contributions for support; funeral expenses; and mental anguish.