David Dewald
David Dewald, 43, of Bloomsburg, died on March 24, 2020, at Lackawanna County Prison. Guards removed him from his cell, which officials said was to take him for a mental health evaluation. The Lackawanna County coroner's office found that he died of cardiac dysrhythmia after the removal. His daughter, Molly Schwartz, administrator of his estate, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that guards used chemical spray and a stun gun and that no one attempted CPR. The district attorney found that staff followed proper procedure but described his medical care as woefully inadequate.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The county coroner ruled he died of cardiac dysrhythmia after the struggle, while his daughter's federal lawsuit says guards used chemical spray and a stun gun and that no one attempted CPR, and the district attorney said staff gave woefully inadequate medical care.
Reported by: Lackawanna County coroner's office (medical examiner or coroner); daughter Molly Schwartz's federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers); the district attorney.
Lawsuit: His daughter Molly Schwartz sued in federal court over his death at Lackawanna County Prison, alleging guards used chemical spray and a stun gun and that no one attempted CPR.