Jackson Maes
Jackson Maes, 27, died by suicide in November 2019 while held in a cell at the Saguache County jail in Colorado. His mother, Sarah Lieberenz, says he told jail staff he was trying to kill himself and was banged his head against a wall, yet deputies did not get him mental health care or place him on suicide watch, and no one checked on him for more than eight hours before he hanged himself with a curtain. A federal jury found the sheriff's office liable for inadequate training and a jail commander liable for deliberate indifference and awarded $4 million; the sheriff did not immediately comment. The family's attorney said the verdict affirms that his condition was a medical one that deserved care.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His mother's federal lawsuit says deputies ignored his suicidal statements, did not place him on suicide watch, and did not check on him for more than eight hours before he hanged himself.
Reported by: Sarah Lieberenz, his mother, and her attorney Sean Dormer (federal lawsuit) (family or their lawyers); U.S. District Court and a federal jury (court).
Lawsuit: His mother, Sarah Lieberenz, sued over his death, and a federal jury awarded $4 million, finding the sheriff's office liable for inadequate training and a jail commander liable for deliberate indifference.
News reports (4)
- Denver mom sues Saguache County, alleging deputies ignored son's suicidal comments
- Federal judge green-lights jail suicide lawsuit against Saguache County for trial
- 10th Circuit agrees Saguache County jail supervisor can be held liable for detainee’s suicide
- Jury awards $4 million to mother of man who died in Colorado jail