In recent months, Allen County has seen a troubling surge in inmate deaths. Sadly, these deaths cast a stark light on the conditions within its correctional facilities. Each loss represents not just a statistic, but a human tragedy. These deaths also raise pressing questions about the adequacy of care and oversight within the county’s penal system.
As our community grapples with these distressing events, it becomes imperative to delve deeper into the root causes and implications of these fatalities. Here at Wagner Reese, we seek both accountability and meaningful reforms to prevent further loss of life behind bars. This blog aims to shed light on the distressing trend of inmate deaths in Allen County, examining the broader societal issues at play and advocating for change in our approach to incarceration and rehabilitation.
As always, if you have anything you’d like to discuss with a criminal defense attorney regarding your own situation or that of a family member, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
The Most Recent Allen County Jail Death
Indiana State Police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old in Allen County Jail, which occurred on August 16 2024. Inmate Paul Lee Green of Fort Wayne was taken to an area hospital for treatment and was pronounced dead a short time after arrival.
His cause of death was found to be peritonitis, inflammation of the abdomen, and his manner of death was ruled as natural, the coroner’s office says. Court records show Green was facing one charge of possession of a narcotic drug, filed on Aug. 8.
The incident remains under investigation by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police (ISP), the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Allen County Coroner’s Office. There have been multiple deaths reported at the Allen County Jail in the past year. Wagner Reese is currently handling two other cases against the Allen county jail, which has been chronically understaffed and overcrowded<
Other Past Deaths in the Allen County Jail
In February 2024, Indiana State Police leaders confirmed an investigation was underway after an inmate died at the Allen County Jail.
Allen County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Adam Griffith confirmed that the inmate’s death is under investigation. ISP Public Information Officer Brian Walker says ISP is conducting a parallel investigation. In a release, ISP says inmates housed in the “6C Block” alerted jail staff that an inmate was unresponsive around 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26.
The inmate, identified as 27-year-old Steven Perry, was given medical care by jail and nursing staff until an EMS arrived, ISP says. Perry was then taken to Lutheran Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Online court records show Perry was in the jail awaiting a sentencing hearing for one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of paraphernalia. Perry’s death marks the third inmate death at the Allen County Jail in the last year.
In January 2024, an autopsy showed another inmate, 33-year-old James Robert Shaffer from Fort Wayne, died by suicide while incarcerated in the Allen County Jail. Back in October 2023, 35-year-old Jonathan Ohlwine also died by suicide at the jail. An autopsy report says Ohlwine was found unresponsive in the bathroom of the jail, with a shirt and broomstick around his neck.
What is perhaps even more distressing is that a leading mental health advocate was “a href=”https://www.21alivenews.com/2024/01/08/mental-health-advocate-not-surprised-after-another-inmate-dies-allen-county-jail/”>not surprised by these deaths. Lisa Ganaway, a board member for the Fort Wayne chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said “If nothing’s done and nothing changes, then it’s going to keep happening like that so, I’m surprised, but I’m not surprised.” She says the jail isn’t properly equipped to handle inmates with mental health issues. She also said, “That’s the problem. Once they get in the system, then they aren’t taken care of and they’re just going to come out worse or die in jail.”
Can the Families of Deceased Inmates Sue?
In cases like those outlined above, it’s understandable and quite common to want to hold someone accountable.
Who? And perhaps more importantly, how?
The ability of families to sue a jail or correctional facility following the death of an inmate varies depending on several factors, including the circumstances surrounding the death, applicable laws, and the evidence available. In many cases, families may pursue legal action if they believe that the facility or its staff acted negligently or failed to provide proper care, leading to the death of their loved one. This includes mental health care.
However, navigating such legal proceedings can be complex and challenging. It often involves proving that the jail or its employees breached their duty of care owed to the inmate, resulting in harm or death. This may require gathering evidence, such as medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions, to support the family’s claims.
In addition to the complexities of proving any type of wrongful death claim, these claims have yet another layer to them. Governmental entities like jails typically have certain protections, such as sovereign immunity, which can impact the ability to sue them. All is not lost though. There are exceptions and avenues for legal recourse, particularly in cases involving gross negligence or constitutional violations.
Ultimately, whether families can sue a jail depends on the specific circumstances of each case and the advice of legal counsel. If you’re in such a situation, seeking guidance from a qualified attorney experienced in civil rights or wrongful death litigation is advisable. Our attorneys here at Wagner Reese are more than capable of doing so, and standing by to help. In fact, our attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience representing injured victims and the families of those who died.
Contact Wagner Reese to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case
When you are severely injured or your loved one is killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need a professional and experienced legal team fighting for your rights. This includes if your loved one died in jail as a result of poor conditions, violence, or a total lack of regard for health and safety.
Here at Wagner Reese, LLP, we have an entire team of Indianapolis-based personal injury attorneys who are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of individuals and families like you. Our team comprises highly skilled, compassionate, and aggressive Indiana-based attorneys who understand what you have been through. We also know what it takes to win. Our attorneys handle a broad range of personal injury and style=”font-weight: 400;”>wrongful death cases, including those involving inmate deaths. We have been serving clients throughout Indiana since 1997 and have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of victims of negligence.
Our attorneys use innovative technology and consult with a team of experts in order to fully investigate each and every case. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice and the fair recovery you and your family are owed. Contact us today to discuss your claim in more detail.
