The families of nine people who died in the Harris County Jail joined with 13 formerly incarcerated people Monday in suing Harris County, alleging the Sheriff's Office violated constitutional rights by creating a “place of torment and punishment.”
had been lodged in county and federal court over the past decade by people formerly incarcerated in the Harris County Jail and their loved ones, according to a Houston Landing investigation earlier this year.
“We hold every life in our jail as precious. I want every family that has lost a loved one in the jail to know they have my sincere sympathy and my pledge to continue striving to make our jail even safer,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in the message.At a press conference Monday, family members suing Harris County packed the stage behind Crump, who has represented the families of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin and numerous other people affected by high-profile cases of law enforcement abuses.
Thomas had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder before he died in custody in early July at the age of 30. A cause of death has not been announced, but lawyers allege that he died after jailers failed to provide lifesaving measures during a medical emergency.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Families of Inmates to File Lawsuit Against Harris County JailThe families of inmates who died in Harris County Jail in 2022 are planning to file a lawsuit against the county, alleging that the deceased inmates were denied their constitutional rights. Attorney Ben Crump will hold a news conference to provide more information about the lawsuit, and ABC13 will provide comprehensive coverage of the event.
Read more »
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Takes Leave of Absence for Clinical Depression TreatmentHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced that she is temporarily stepping away from her elected position and has checked herself into an inpatient facility where she will be receiving treatment for clinical depression.
Read more »
Several families to file lawsuit in connection to in-custody deaths at Harris County JailSeveral families are filing lawsuits on Monday in connection to in-custody deaths at the Harris County Jail, according to a family member of an inmate who died. Jacilet Griffins said her son, Evan Lee, and she and other families are holding a news conference at 2 p.m. to share more details about the lawsuit.
Read more »
22 families and former inmates sue Harris County over jail conditionsA federal lawsuit has been filed against the sheriff's office, alleging the violation of inmates' constitutional rights and highlighting the numerous deaths and injuries that have occurred at the Harris County Jail in recent years.
Read more »
231-Page Lawsuit Filed Against Harris County Jail Over Inmate Deaths and StaffingCivil Rights Attorney Ben Crump has filed a 231-page lawsuit against the Harris County Jail, alleging deliberate neglect in ensuring inmate safety and addressing staffing issues.
Read more »