Billy Ames
Billy Ames, 36, had a traumatic brain injury from an assault years before his death, was on medical disability, and took anti-seizure medication three times a day. He died in November 2018 at the St. Francois County Jail in Missouri, where he was placed in a restraint chair on his final day. An autopsy attributed his death to a methamphetamine overdose. His parents' lawsuit says jail staff denied him his anti-seizure medication, that he likely had a seizure, and that he was screaming for help in the chair. His mother, Laurie Braun, and stepfather, Joe Braun, have pushed for reform in his name.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). An autopsy attributed his death to a methamphetamine overdose, but his parents' lawsuit says jail staff withheld his anti-seizure medication and that he likely died after a seizure.
Reported by: autopsy; his parents' lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His parents sued over his death, alleging that St. Francois County Jail staff denied him anti-seizure medication, and no settlement or verdict amount has been reported.