Christian Black
Christian Black, 25, of Zanesville, Ohio, died on March 24, 2025, while held at the Montgomery County Jail. His family's attorney, Robert Gresham, says about 10 officers restrained him in the early morning hours and that medical staff delayed lifesaving care while he was unresponsive. The Montgomery County coroner's office ruled the death a homicide and said it was likely caused by mechanical and positional asphyxia, as reported by the family's attorney. The county has settled the family's $7 million lawsuit, and the sheriff's office said it cannot comment during its investigation, which has since been handed to Dayton Police. The family wants to prevent this from happening to other people and is pursuing jail reform.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (neglect alleged). The Montgomery County coroner's office ruled the death a homicide from likely mechanical and positional asphyxia, and the family's attorney, Robert Gresham, says about 10 officers restrained him and medical staff delayed lifesaving care while he was unresponsive.
Reported by: Montgomery County coroner's office (medical examiner or coroner); Robert Gresham, the family's attorney (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued Montgomery County and the county settled the lawsuit for $7 million, according to his family's attorney Robert Gresham.