Jesse Banks
Jesse Banks, 35, was held at the Oregon State Penitentiary, where according to his mother's lawsuit he spoke of the future, of work, and of National Geographic subscriptions, and looked forward to his release during visits with his family. He died on April 1, 2023, in his cell in the behavioral health unit, and the Oregon Department of Corrections has said the cause was asphyxia due to ligature strangulation. The autopsy, as cited in the lawsuit, found self-inflicted strangulation. His mother, Patricia Nemeth, has sued the Oregon Department of Corrections, alleging that required cell checks were missed, that his documented mental health needs were not met, and that evidence was covered up, and says he died after either staff action or a medication overdose. The Department of Corrections declined to comment on the allegations.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The Oregon Department of Corrections reports asphyxia from ligature strangulation, and the autopsy found self-inflicted strangulation, but his mother Patricia Nemeth's lawsuit disputes that finding, says staff missed required cell checks, and alleges either staff action or a medication overdose.
Reported by: Oregon Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); autopsy; Oregon State Police (outside investigators); Patricia Nemeth's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother, Patricia Nemeth, sued the Oregon Department of Corrections over his death, alleging deliberate indifference and missed cell checks, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.