Video: Friend Of Murdered Columbus Man Files Federal Lawsuit

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The friend of a murdered Lowndes County man has filed a federal lawsuit today against the county, Sheriff Mike Arledge and investigators Ryan Rickert and Tony Cooper.

As WCBI reported in September, Paul Vega presented notice of his intent to sue the county. Vega was required to wait a minimum of 90 days before officially filing his suit.

Vega is claiming violations of his civil rights. Included in this is false arrest, excessive force, invasion of privacy and emotional distress.

Vega is claiming his rights were violated after he reported his friend Manuel Vasquez missing in June of 2015.

The remains of Vasquez’s body were found on his own property in Lowndes County.

Vasquez’s wife, Christina, is charged with his death.

Vega is asking for $750,000 dollars in monetary damages.

He is represented by Daniel Waide of Hattiesburg.