PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The state Corrections Department is accused of gross negligence in the death of a prisoner who killed herself.
Janika Edmond’s family filed a lawsuit against the department and 14 current or former employees. Edmond was found with underwear tied around her neck in November 2015.
Lawyers say she yelled for a suicide-prevention vest but didn’t get one at the women’s prison in Washtenaw County. The lawsuit claims guards placed bets on whether Edmond would harm herself.
The Detroit Free Press (https://on.freep.com/2lqFZl6 ) says the lawsuit was filed Feb. 17 in Detroit federal court. Corrections Department spokesman Chris Gautz declined to comment.
In a separate matter, a prison guard is charged with involuntary manslaughter and willful neglect of duty in Edmond’s death. Dianna Callahan denies wrongdoing. The case is pending.
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Information from: Detroit Free Press, https://www.freep.com
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