Anthony Lester
Anthony Lester, an American Indian man who had schizophrenia, died at Tucson State Prison in Arizona on July 11, 2010. His family said a judge had ordered mental health housing for him, and they repeatedly pressed prison officials about his illness and his need for medication. According to the account, after a period on suicide watch he was moved to a detention cell, where he was given a razor blade by mistake and fatally cut himself. The investigation ruled his death a suicide, while his family and others have questioned the prison's response, including reports that officers who entered his cell gave no first aid before EMS arrived. A local reporter and the family spent two years seeking the release of the video.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The investigation ruled it a suicide with a razor blade, but his family and others question the prison's response, saying he was held despite a court order for mental health housing, was given a razor blade by mistake, and officers offered no first aid before he bled to death.
Reported by: investigation; his family.