Jennifer A. Ross
Jennifer A. Ross, 31, was a mother of two sons who had completed in-patient treatment and was working toward recovery from long-term drug dependency. She was held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in New Jersey in September 2022 and died on September 20 of a fentanyl-related overdose. Her mother, Michelle Trussell, says in a federal civil rights lawsuit, filed with attorneys from Lowenstein Sandler, that illegal drugs flowed unchecked into the jail and that county and jail officials failed to protect people held there and did not adequately try to revive her. The defendants have not publicly responded to the claims, and the sheriff's office said it does not comment on pending litigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). Her mother's federal lawsuit, filed by Lowenstein Sandler attorneys, says jail officials ignored a widespread drug trade inside the jail and failed to address repeated overdoses or revive her adequately.
Reported by: Michelle Trussell and the family's federal lawsuit (Lowenstein Sandler attorneys) (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Her mother, Michelle Trussell, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Monmouth County and jail officials over her death, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.