Charles Duynes
His mother describes Charles Duynes, 38, as a man who took care of her, called her often, and was the father of six children. He died on June 1, 2019, at Sussex 1 State Prison in Virginia, where he was held. His mother's federal wrongful death lawsuit says he reported worsening stomach pain to staff at least 12 times over several months and was given over-the-counter medication instead of appropriate care. The lawsuit says other people held at the prison helped him to the medical unit, and that he died while waiting to be taken to the emergency room. A medical examiner determined he died of gallstones, which the lawsuit describes as common and often treatable, and his mother is seeking $15 million in federal court.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled he died of gallstones, and his mother's federal lawsuit says staff ignored at least 12 reports of worsening pain and gave him over-the-counter medication instead of appropriate care.
Reported by: medical examiner (as cited in mother's federal wrongful death lawsuit) (medical examiner or coroner); his mother's federal wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother sued in federal court over his death, seeking $15 million in damages.