Mother of Slain Inmate Sues California Prison
We all know that inmates are incarcerated because they have committed crimes. Some of these crimes may be considered “unforgivable” by many. Be that as it may, we do not kill guilty people in California due to a moratorium on the death penalty signed by Governor Newsom in 2019. Unfortunately, inmates are often treated so poorly in prison that we might as well be handing them a death sentence when we put them behind bars. When prison guards willfully allow inmates to murder each other, one has to wonder whether this is really different from strapping them to an electric chair.
This is the argument put forth by a mother whose son was recently murdered by fellow inmates at California State Prison in Sacramento. She claims the prison guards essentially “set up” her son and intentionally put him in a situation where he could be outnumbered and overpowered by three other inmates who wanted him dead. These accusations are incredibly serious, and they shed new light on questionable prison conditions that have become a major talking point in California.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you might be wondering whether you can also sue a prison for the death of a loved one. If you would like to explore your options, get in touch with a personal injury attorney in the Sacramento area. Our legal professionals can assess your unique situation and determine the best course of action. With our help, you can hold negligent prison guards and state authorities accountable for the wrongful death of your family member. This can result in a considerable settlement that you can use to pay for funeral costs, pain and suffering, and much more.
Mother Sues California Prison
On December 13th of 2021, it was reported that a mother had filed a lawsuit against California State Prison, claiming that prison guards were actively involved in the death of her son. In 2019, the 29-year-old was allegedly handcuffed to a chair and left unable to defend himself when three other inmates proceeded to stab him several times. Along with the prison itself, the mother is also suing the warden and several unnamed guards. There is allegedly video footage of the murder, and this would suggest that there is clear evidence to support the plaintiff’s claims.
In addition, the mother claims that the prison guards staged a “practice run” one week before the murder. This “practice run” allegedly involved allowing two other inmates to escape from their restraints in the presence of the deceased victim. This was exactly how the inmate was killed, and his mother alleges that the prison guards were essentially showing the murderers how to carry out their crime prior to the incident.
The mother’s allegations continue. She also states that the prison guards falsely told other inmates that her son was a child sex offender, as they knew this would result in his murder sooner or later. In their defense, the unnamed guards claim that the murder was gang-related. Her mother has stated that her son has mental impairments.
In the end, this lawsuit revolves around the duty of care that prison guards owe their inmates, which can be hard to define. Do prison guards really have a legal obligation to prevent inmates from killing each other? Are certain prison deaths unavoidable? In this situation, the plaintiff is essentially accusing the prison guards of conspiracy to commit murder due to their alleged close involvement and planning of this incident. There is a big difference between “turning a blind eye” and actively setting up a situation in which an inmate will almost certainly be killed.
This is Not the First Time the Prison Has Faced Legal Issues
It is worth pointing out that this is only one of many legal issues that the prison is currently facing. Other inmates at the prison have filed lawsuits against guards for threatening to kill them and allegedly planting contraband in their cells. In addition, two whistleblowers who were investigating misconduct within the prison have mysteriously died. Another major incident occurred when an inmate was allowed to commit suicide by drinking too much water.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the San Francisco area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know that losing a loved one can be difficult, and you deserve to explore your legal options if you believe that your family member died due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. With the right strategy, you can recover a considerable settlement for your loss. Although this money cannot bring your loved one back, it can provide you with a sense of closure and justice. You can also use your funds to cover funeral costs and honor the passing of your family member in the most dignified way possible. Reach out today, and we can explore all of your options during a consultation.
