Current:Home > MarketsManslaughter charges thrown out in Michigan prisoner’s death -WealthMap Solutions
Manslaughter charges thrown out in Michigan prisoner’s death
View
Date:2025-04-13 00:33:38
MUNISING, Mich. (AP) — A judge dismissed charges Monday against six people in the death of a Michigan prisoner who lost 50 pounds over two weeks and died of dehydration while being restrained in 2019.
There was evidence of a lack of proper care for Jonathan Lancaster but not enough to send two former prison officials and four nurses to trial for involuntary manslaughter, Alger County Judge Charles Nebel said.
Lancaster’s life already was in peril when he was moved to an observation cell at the Alger prison and died three days later, the judge said.
“This is not the end for us,” Lancaster’s sister, Danielle Dunn, said. “We will fight for an appeal and continue to advocate for other families like ours as well as current incarcerated citizens.”
Lancaster, 38, was in prison for robbery and gun crimes in the Detroit area. He had a history of mental illness and showed symptoms while at Alger, including paranoia, anxiety, loss of appetite and insomnia, his family said.
Nebel said Department of Corrections policies at the time may have contributed to a “perfect storm” and Lancaster’s death, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Charges were dismissed against the nurses and Scott Sprader and Benny Mercier, who were high-ranking prison officials. Different charges are pending against two corrections officers.
Six people were fired and several more were disciplined after Lancaster’s death. The Corrections Department referred the case to state police for investigation.
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is “evaluating its next steps,” spokesman Danny Wimmer said Monday.
Prosecutors could try to persuade a circuit court judge to overturn the decision.
Separately, Lancaster’s family reached a $2.6 million settlement in 2021 after suing prison health staff and private contractors.
veryGood! (584)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- FBI Director Chris Wray warns Congress that Chinese hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure as U.S. disrupts foreign botnet Volt Typhoon
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin apologizes for keeping hospitalization secret
- Taylor Swift's Travis Kelce-themed jewelry is surprisingly affordable. Here's where to buy
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Julia Fox's Daring New E! Fashion Competition Show Will Make You Say OMG
- Caitlin Clark is a supernova for Iowa basketball. Her soccer skills have a lot do with that
- Nikki Haley has called out prejudice but rejected systemic racism throughout her career
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Federal officials issue new guidelines in an effort to pump the brakes on catchy highway signs
Ranking
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Break away from the USA? New Hampshire once again says nay
- Power outage at BP oil refinery in Indiana prompts evacuation, temporary shutdown
- Here’s What’s Coming to Netflix in February 2024
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Which beer gardens, new breweries and beer bars are the best in the US?
- Former suburban St. Louis police officer now charged with sexually assaulting 19 men
- We’re Confident You’ll Want to See Justin and Hailey Bieber’s PDA Photo
Recommendation
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
Annette Bening named Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
TikToker Campbell Pookie Puckett Apologizes for Harm Caused by Insensitive Photos
AP Week in Pictures: North America
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Loud Budgeting Is the New TikTok Money Trend, Here Are the Essentials to Get You on Board
Mike Martin, record-setting Florida State baseball coach, dies after fight with dementia
People on parole in Pennsylvania can continue medication for opioid withdrawal under settlement