Inmate Jon Casey (Full Name: Jon Dru Casey) Died In Custody At Adams County Detention Facility In Brighton While Being Processed For Release
BRIGHTON, COLORADO (October 8, 2023) - An inmate identified as Jon Casey has died at the Adams County Detention Facility in Brighton while being processed for release.
An inmate identified as Jon Casey has died at the Adams County Detention Facility in Brighton while being processed for release.
Adams County officials are saying that the accident took place on September 7. A nurse and a deputy were completing a routine medical exam for Jon Casey.
He was in a wheelchair due to some type of medical condition. Authorities said that he was in the process of being released on bond.
Deputies noticed that he became unresponsive in his holding cell while inside of his wheelchair. Jail and medical staff entered the cell and began life-saving measures including performing CPR and administering Narcan.
Despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead. The coroner later discovered that Jon Casey had a small pill container in his throat that contained suspected fentanyl.
A full investigation into the in-custody death remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Adams County Inmate Deaths
Drug overdoses remain one of the leading causes of in-custody death. According to PBS, “The alcohol and drug overdose death rate increased fivefold in prisons from 2009 through 2019, according to a recent study from the Pew Charitable Trusts — a surge that outpaced the national drug overdose rate, which tripled in the same period.” Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has been involved in a substantial number of overdose deaths. There are many signs that correctional officers should look for which may indicate an inmate is overdosing on fentanyl.
- Pinpoint pupils
- Shallow breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Vomiting
- Seizures
All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with reasonably adequate healthcare. This includes care for overdoses. To that end, jail staff should be well trained to spot the signs of an overdose and move to act quickly. Inmates who may be going through an overdose should typically receive CPR and Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. There are many ways that a jail may have failed to prevent an inmate overdose death.
- Jail officials may have done a poor job at preventing illicit drugs from entering the jail.
- Jail officials may have failed to properly monitor an inmate at risk of overdose.
- Jail officials may have failed to timely intervene in the event an inmate was going through an overdose.
Inmate deaths are more likely to occur at jails and prisons that are overcrowded. A jail may simply not be able to keep up with all of the health needs of those that it is taking care of. Deaths are also more likely to occur if jail staff are not properly trained. The family of any person that died in custody may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what may have caused an in-custody death.
Investigating Inmate Deaths At Adams County Detention Facility
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jon Casey. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about an Adams County in-custody death? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.