Manslaughter charges thrown out in prisoner’s death
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.
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.
Webinar focuses on emerging adults in justice system
The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Tools and Training to Support Emerging Adults in the Justice System” Tuesday, October 17, from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. via Zoom.
This webinar kicks off the launch of NCSC training modules designed to equip attorneys and court professionals with the tools they need to better assist emerging adults (ages 18-25) in the justice system.
The goal of the series is to provide dynamic and interactive content that enhances the ability to support emerging adults on their journey to justice. The series includes modules on the topics of young adult brain development, needs, risks, and protective factors for young adults, the behavioral health needs of young adults, and more.
To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “webinars.”
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