Jacob Albright
Family remembers Jacob Albright, 36, as a funny, creative and smart man who was a skilled woodworker, skateboarder and loving brother and uncle. He died in July 2023 in the back of a Pleasant Prairie police squad car being driven toward the Kenosha County Jail, after officers said they heard a gunshot in the rear compartment. Police say he shot himself with a concealed weapon that had been missed in an earlier search, and the department found that officers violated search policies, with two suspended for one day each. His family disputes the police account, says they learned of his death through social media, and says he struggled with mental health issues that local services failed to address. The family is calling for release of video and more transparency, and the Racine County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Pleasant Prairie police say he shot himself with a gun missed in a search, while his family rejects that account, says he struggled with mental health issues that local services failed to address, and questions the search and investigation.
Reported by: Pleasant Prairie Police Department (the agency that held him); Racine County Sheriff's Office (outside investigators); his family.