Chadwick Shane Cochran
Chadwick Shane Cochran, 35, died on November 16, 2005, after being beaten by fellow people held at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles County. Prosecutors said more than 50 people watched the attack, which a probation report said lasted at least 30 minutes while Cochran lay motionless. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department conducted an internal investigation, and the county later paid a settlement of nearly $1 million to his family.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). Prosecutors say fellow inmates beat Cochran to death during dinner at Men's Central Jail, and his family's settlement with the county points to failures in supervision during the attack.
Reported by: prosecutors; a probation report; Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (the agency that held him); his family.
Lawsuit: His family sued and Los Angeles County agreed to pay a nearly $1 million settlement.