Billy Joe Rogers
Billy Joe Rogers, 39, died in April 2017 after being held at the Bradley County jail in Cleveland, Tennessee. According to a lawsuit brought by his family, he was left unresponsive in his cell after a fight with another person held at the jail, and he died three days later at a hospital in Chattanooga. The lawsuit alleges overcrowding, gang violence at the jail, withheld information, and the loss or destruction of video and witness statements. The family seeks $11 million in damages and a grand jury investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). His family's lawsuit says the jail was overcrowded, failed to stop gang violence, withheld information, and lost or destroyed video and witness statements after he was hurt in a fight with another inmate.
Reported by: his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued the Bradley County jail, alleging overcrowding, gang violence, withheld information, and lost or destroyed video, and seeks $11 million; no settlement or award has been reported.