James Shaffer
James Shaffer died at the Allen County Jail in Indiana in January 2024, three days after what the family describes as an attempt on his life there. His brother, Josh Shaffer, remembers him as a kind man who would do anything for anyone. Indiana State Police said he was found unresponsive in his cell with a phone cord wrapped around his neck and described the death as a suicide. The family says they have received conflicting accounts of whether he was on suicide watch and how long he went without oxygen, and they are still waiting for answers.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Indiana State Police say he was found unresponsive with a phone cord around his neck, and his family questions that account and says they have received conflicting accounts about whether he was on suicide watch.
Reported by: Indiana State Police (outside investigators); his family.