Christopher Rentz
Christopher Rentz, 21, was held in a psychiatric unit cell at the Spokane County Jail, where he died on October 2, 2004. According to his brother Thomas Gregg, Rentz talked easily with anyone, was like a best friend to people who spoke with him, and could never defend himself. Sheriff's spokesman Dave Reagan said two cellmates were implicated in his death, and court documents later described beatings and strangulation with a bedsheet, with a witness saying Rentz was held down. Two men were charged in December, one with first-degree murder and one with second-degree murder, and the family says Rentz had written and called to report that cellmates were taking his food and that he feared for his safety; the family has filed a $4.9 million claim against the county.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). Sheriff's spokesman Dave Reagan says two cellmates killed Rentz by strangulation with a bedsheet, and his family says he had warned them his cellmates were stealing his food and he feared for his safety, while the family's $4.9 million claim argues he should not have been housed with men facing violent-crime charges.
Reported by: Spokane County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Thomas Gregg, Rentz's family (family or their lawyers); court documents.
Lawsuit: His family plans a civil suit against the Spokane County Jail, and they filed a $4.9 million claim against the county, which the sources do not report as settled or awarded.