Deaths in Custody
Died in jail or a lockup

Dennis DiGenova

73 years old · died July 28, 2023 · Marion County Jail, Marion County, Florida

Dennis DiGenova, a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran and father, was held at the Marion County Jail in Florida in July 2023 and was taken to HCA Ocala hospital, where he died on July 28. The Medical Examiner attributed his death to complications from a cervical spine fracture sustained in the jail and ruled it a homicide. His family says deputies used force on him during jail intake and left him on a cell floor for about two days, and their wrongful death lawsuit names the sheriff and three deputies, who deny wrongdoing. The sheriff's internal investigation found the use-of-force allegations unsubstantiated, saying it could not be shown whether the injury occurred during a use of force or an altercation with another person, and no one has been charged.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide from complications of a cervical spine fracture; the Marion County Sheriff's Office says another inmate attacked him, while his family's federal lawsuit says deputies beat him and left him on a cell floor for about two days without care.

Reported by: Medical Examiner's Office, District 5 & 24 (medical examiner or coroner); Marion County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); family's federal lawsuit (attorney Robert Rush) (family or their lawyers).

Lawsuit: His family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County Sheriff and deputies over his death at the Marion County Jail, and the parties are scheduled for mediation, with no amount reported.

News reports (6)

Read the Florida reportSee on the Florida mapSee on the national mapAll records

Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.